Nigerian Prison Escape (Report)

Nigerian Prison Escape - 700 Nigerian prison inmates escaped with the help of Muslim extremists.

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Sep 10, 2021

A federal prison Nigerian prison that held about 700 Muslim extremists was attacked by Boko Haram. The group entered the detention center with weapons and free about 700 inmates. During the sunset attack in Bauchi, the gunmen went from cell to cell breaking locks, and telling everyone to leave.

In addition, they felt the need to set fire to part of the prison before fleeing the building. Four people are confirmed dead and six others are in critical condition. According to police, the gunmen are believed to be members of a radical sect.

"We believe Boko Haram sect followers freed by the attack are hiding in the mountains surrounding the pasturelands of the rural region, stated Bauchi state police commissioner Danlami Yar'Adua.

Back in 2009 members of Boko Haram rioted and attacked police stations and private homes. This triggered a violent police crackdown, killing more than 700 people. Many of those arrested for the attacks were being held at the Bauchi prison pending trial. Boko Haram means "Western education is sacrilege" in the local Hausa language.

According to the police commissioner, 36 prisoners had returned to their cells on their own accord by Wednesday morning, hoping to serve out the remainder of their short sentences. Military units are assisting the police in adding checkpoints along roads heading out of the city in hopes of catching escapees.