Authorities in Niger have imposed a curfew in the volatile Tillaberi region following a jailbreak at the heavily fortified Koutoukale prison, known for holding jihadists.
The incident occurred on Thursday about 50 kilometers northwest of Niamey, the capital, according to the interior ministry.
While the ministry did not specify the number of escapees, previous attempts to break out of the facility were thwarted in 2016 and 2019.
The prison houses captured fighters associated with both al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups in the region.
In response to the escape, officials have implemented an overnight curfew across Tillaberi and have urged heightened vigilance.
The curfew restricts movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all under military rule, have been grappling with increasing jihadist attacks.
Just days ago, suspected jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda ambushed Nigerien soldiers in Tillaberi, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 soldiers, with others wounded and some reported missing.
Amid these challenges, the three nations have expelled French military forces previously aiding in anti-jihadist efforts and have turned to Russia for military support.
The region’s conflicts have led to thousands of casualties and displaced over three million people, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Source-BBC
