There is tension in Abuja over the invasion of the Kuje Correctional facility by suspected bandits on Tuesday night.

There was pandemonium in the area as residents of Kuje scrambled for safety during the attack.

As early as 7am, a military helicopter was seen hovering around the correctional facility.

Sources told our correspondent that the first explosion, a high capacity bomb, went off around 10.25pm.

It was followed by second and third blast and sporadic gunshots that left the residents scampering into safety.

Few hours earlier, a security report had alerted the prison officials of possible attacks on the medium prison.

A prison staff, who confirmed the attack in a chat explained that the attackers came from the back of the prison yard.

He said the gunmen have gained access to the prison yard and have taken control of the entire environment.

Findings also revealed that security operatives have started mobilizing to the area to assist armed men and Officers of the correctional service.

Military officers and other security operatives were seen recapturing inmates that escaped during the attack on the prison facilities.

The Military has intensified their stop and search efforts around the Kuje area to further fish out absconded inmates.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Shuaibu Belgore, has confirmed that about 600 inmates escaped from the Kuje Correctional Centre following the attack by suspected terrorists.

During a visit to the facility, he explained that over 300 of the inmates have been retrieved and more are on the way.

Many schools in Kuje were under lock and key due to the attack on Kuje prison.

Findings also revealed that some parents did not allow their children or wards to go to school due to the sad development and fear of kidnap by escaped inmates. (The Nation)

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