A mass prison break at the high-security Koutoukale prison, located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Niger’s capital, Niamey, has led to a curfew in the restive Tillaberi region.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has raised serious concerns about Niger’s military capabilities in containing jihadist threats, especially as they are already stretched thin protecting the junta that seized power in last year’s coup and responding to attacks in the west.
According to the interior ministry, this is not the first attempted jailbreak at the facility, with previous attempts in 2016 and 2019 being thwarted.
This latest escape, however, succeeded, leading to heightened security concerns in the region.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, reported that the prison mutiny was violent, overwhelming the guards and allowing inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and explosions around midday, prompting a rapid response from security forces. Despite their efforts, inmates had already taken control of the prison, breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
The interior ministry has not disclosed the number of prisoners who escaped.
In response to the escape, the Interior Minister issued a radio message to all governors, instructing village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals. A curfew has been imposed in the Tillaberi region, restricting the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles.
The entire River Niger region is now on high alert.
The Koutoukale prison houses detainees from Niger’s conflict with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, as well as suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The escape has intensified concerns over the ability of Niger and its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, to contain escalating jihadist attacks.
All three countries are under military rule and have been battling increasing insurgent violence.
On Monday, at least 14 soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in an attack by suspected jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda in the Tillaberi region.
The troops were ambushed between the villages of Ila Fari and Djangore, with 24 soldiers still reported missing.
The insurgencies in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have led to the expulsion of French soldiers who were assisting in the fight against jihadist groups.
The three countries have since sought military assistance from Russia. The ongoing violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and over three million displaced people, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
