Kuje: FG, NCoS Launch Manhunt For Boko Haram, Other Escapees

The Federal Government and authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have launched a manhunt for escapees from the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, which was attacked on Tuesday by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

It was gathered that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is coordinating the manhunt while the NCoS is compiling the biodata, including photographs of escapees, especially 64 members of the Boko Haram group who were ferried out of the prison facility.

A source within the Kuje facility, who preferred anonymity, said over 600 of the escapees have been recaptured.

The Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, on Wednesday said only 578 escapees had been recaptured, leaving 416 escapees still on the run.

The source said: ” We are under intense pressures to recapture all the escapees including the 64 Boko Haram members. Investigations are going on at all levels of the country’s security architecture to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attacks, especially as Mr President expressed reservations and disappointment on the intelligence community.

“The biodata, as well as photographs of insurgents who escaped, is being compiled and we are enlisting the services and collaborations of religious leaders and community leaders within and outside the FCT to recapture the escapees.

“The approach being adopted.I cannot give you details at the moment. But, we are not leaving anything to chance. Hopefully by the end of work today, I will update you on the numbers of inmates recaptured. ”

The Minister of Defence, Major Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd) blamed the attacks on the Kuje facility on the Boko Haram insurgents.

The attacks occurred on Tuesday around 10.25pm.

He said from the records and patterns of the attacks as well as those who escaped from the facility, all indicators point in the direction of the insurgents.

Magashi who briefed reporters on the matter said 64 members of the insurgents escaped from the facility, asserting that the insurgents came prepared for the attacks.

The Minister said however that the situation had been brought under control as soldiers from the Brigades of Guards took charge of the situation.

The Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command of the NCoS, Humphrey Chukwuendo confirmed that over 600 escapees have been recaptured, but he declined to give further information on inquiries.