“Hoodlums Freed 1,844 Inmates In Imo Attacks’ — Nigerian Correctional Service

The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed 1,844 inmates
were set free during Monday’s attacks on its facilities in Owerri,
Imo state by gunmen.

Public Relations Officer of the Service, Francis Enobore in a
statement in Abuja said the attackers stormed the facilities at
about 0215 hours.

According to him, the attackers “gained entrance into the yard
by using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“The Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has been attacked by
unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in
custody.”

Enobore explained as, at the last count, six inmates voluntarily
returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape.

Enobore said: “The attackers who stormed the facility at about
0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by
using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number
in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna Buses armed with
sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security
personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.

“They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.

“The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure has
ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in
collaboration with other security organisations, commenced a search
and recover operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.

“While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed
Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the
recovery effort, the Ag. Controller-General wishes to assure that
the security of custodial centres in the country remains
sacrosanct.

“He equally directed all officers attached to custodial
facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in our
history.

“As at the last count, 6 inmates have so far voluntarily
returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from
custody during the attack.”

The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed 1,844 inmates
were set free during Monday’s attacks on its facilities in Owerri,
Imo state by gunmen.

Public Relations Officer of the Service, Francis Enobore in a
statement in Abuja said the attackers stormed the facilities at
about 0215 hours.

According to him, the attackers “gained entrance into the yard
by using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“The Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has been attacked by
unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in
custody.”

Enobore explained as, at the last count, six inmates voluntarily
returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape.

Enobore said: “The attackers who stormed the facility at about
0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by
using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number
in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna Buses armed with
sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security
personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.

“They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.

“The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure has
ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in
collaboration with other security organisations, commenced a search
and recover operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.

“While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed
Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the
recovery effort, the Ag. Controller-General wishes to assure that
the security of custodial centres in the country remains
sacrosanct.

“He equally directed all officers attached to custodial
facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in our
history.

“As at the last count, 6 inmates have so far voluntarily
returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from
custody during the attack.”