Niamey, Niger. Authorities in Niger have imposed a curfew in the volatile Tillaberi region following a jailbreak at the heavily fortified Koutoukale prison, which is known to house jihadist inmates. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the interior ministry confirming the escape of several prisoners but not specifying the exact number.
Koutoukale prison, located about 50 kilometers northwest of the capital, Niamey, has previously repelled jailbreak attempts in 2016 and 2019. The escaped inmates are believed to include Islamist fighters from groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
In response, officials have imposed an overnight curfew throughout the Tillaberi region, restricting all movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles, and ordered heightened vigilance.
Niger's armed forces are already stretched thin due to ongoing jihadist attacks in the west and the need to protect the junta that came to power following last year's coup.
The jailbreak comes amid a backdrop of increasing jihadist violence in the region. On Monday, at least 14 soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in an ambush by suspected al-Qaeda-linked groups in Tillaberi. Additionally, 24 soldiers are still reported missing following the attack.
Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso—both under military rule—has been battling rising jihadist insurgencies. These countries have expelled French troops and sought military assistance from Russia. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over three million people, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis.
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