Authorities in Niger have imposed a curfew in the Tillaberi region following a jailbreak at the heavily fortified Koutoukale prison.
The facility, located about 50 kilometers north-west of Niamey, witnessed the escape of several prisoners, including captured Islamist fighters linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred at the prison, as previous attempted jailbreaks in 2016 and 2019 were thwarted. The exact number of escapees in the latest incident has not been disclosed by the interior ministry.
The ongoing security challenges in Niger, compounded by jihadist attacks and the need to protect the military junta in power since last year’s coup, have stretched the country’s armed forces thin. The recent attack in the Tillaberi region, which resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers and left 11 others wounded, underscores the gravity of the situation.
In response to the escalating violence, Niger, alongside its neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, is grappling with containing jihadist activities. The expulsion of French soldiers, who were assisting in the fight against terrorist groups, has led these nations to seek military support from Russia.
The humanitarian crisis in the region continues to deepen, with thousands killed in the insurgencies and over three million people displaced. The authorities have imposed an overnight curfew across the Tillaberi region, restricting the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles to enhance security measures.
