The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said four inmates of the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre died while 879 escaped during the attack on the facility by terrorists.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Abubakar Umar, made this known via a statement issued on Wednesday.

Umar said the assailants broke into the Kuje prison using explosive devices through the main entrance and the fence of the facility respectively.

He stated that an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the correctional centre was killed, adding that three personnel of the NCoS were injured.

The NCoS spokesperson said: “A total of 879 inmates escaped from the facility during the unfortunate attack. As at the time of this report, 443 have been recaptured, 551 inmates are currently in custody, 443 inmates are still at large.

“Four inmates are dead and 16 inmates sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at the moment. However, efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates.”

Umar further stated that the NCoS would deploy its Corrections Information Management System (CIMS) in synergy with National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody.

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He also confirmed that DCP Abba Kyari and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape, adding that they were presently in custody, hale and hearty.

Umar added: “At the time of the attack on the Kuje facility, we have 38 military personnel on ground in addition to that of the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence, DSS and our Armed Squad.

“This is the Minister’s efforts to rejig the security architecture of our facilities.

“The public is also informed that some of the attackers were killed while some escaped with gunshot wounds.

“We, therefore, appeal to hospitals and other medical institutions and practitioners to report anyone that comes to them for treatment for gunshot injuries to the nearest law enforcement agency,” he said.

He, however, called on the general public to volunteer useful information that might lead to the arrest of the fleeing inmates.

The NCoS spokesman assured Nigerians that the incident was being handled with every sense of dedication and professionalism.

Umar, therefore, extended his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives during the attack and wished the injured a quick recovery.

The Star