The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the audacious attack on Abuja’s Kuje Prison.
The terrorist group showed some of its men shooting their way into the facility while chanting: Allahu Akbar! in a 38-second video released Wednesday night.
In the video, tens of fighters can be seen marching in groups while vehicles and buildings burn.
An elderly man dressed in native garb joined the young men who were shouting at the top of their lungs.
The Islamic State’s A’maq Agency released the video with the Arabic caption: “Fighters of Islamic State attacked Kuje prison in Abuja yesterday and succeeded in freeing dozens of prisoners.”
Activist Audu Bulama Bukarti provided a translation: “Islamic State fighters penetrated the prison of the Nigerian government yesterday, in Kuje city, on the outskirts of the capital, Abuja, after demolishing its walls, and successfully liberated dozens of prisoners.”
Bashir Magashi, Minister of Defence, said during a visit to the prison on Wednesday morning that the attackers were heading towards the direction where 64 Boko Haram suspects were being held.
Magashi stated that following the attack, none of the suspects in custody could be found.
“The prison is accommodating about 994 inmates and over 600 escaped. Many people have been recaptured and brought back to the prison. Maybe by the close of the day, more will have been captured and returned.”
