The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) on Wednesday confirmed that the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje area of Abuja was attacked by gunmen.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, the NCS stated that it is yet to identify those behind the attack.
The statement did not disclose if there are casualties.
“I wish to confirm that at about 2200hrs, some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory.
“However, men of the Armed Squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies attached to the Custodial Centre have responded and calm has been restored to the facility and the situation is under control.
“Other details will be made available soon,” Abubakar said.
It is understood that the attackers used three bombs and forcibly gained control of four entry and exit points.
The prison is in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, lying outside the Abuja city centre, 47 kilometres to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, and 24 kilometres to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Dangerous criminals, including apprehended Boko Haram terrorists, are held in the prison, which also houses high profile public officers standing trial or already convicted.
