An operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and four inmates of the Kuje Custodial Centre died, while 16 others were injured during Boko Haram fighters’ attack on the facility.

In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abubakar Umar, said that the attackers broke into the facility using explosive devices through the fence and main entrance.

“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,” he said.

He said three personnel of the NCoS were also seriously injured.

“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, and 443 inmates are still at large,” he said.

Mr Umar said the service 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.

He also confirmed to the general public that disgraced police chief Abba Kyari and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape adding that they were in custody, hale and hearty.

“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.

“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.”

(NAN)