By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Authorities Impose Curfew and Heightened Security Measures in Tillaberi Region
Authorities in Niger have declared a curfew in the volatile Tillaberi region after several prisoners escaped from a heavily fortified jail known to hold jihadists. The incident occurred on Thursday at Koutoukale prison, located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of the capital, Niamey, according to the interior ministry.
This prison has previously repelled two jailbreak attempts in 2016 and 2019. Niger's armed forces, already stretched thin by jihadist attacks in the west and tasked with protecting the junta that took power in last year's coup, are now responding to this latest security breach.
The ministry did not specify the number of prisoners who managed to escape in the latest incident. However, it is believed that captured Islamist fighters from groups linked to both al Qaeda and the Islamic State are among those who escaped.
In response, officials have imposed an overnight curfew throughout the Tillaberi region and ordered heightened vigilance. The curfew restricts all movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles.
Niger and its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso are all under military rule and have been struggling to contain increasing jihadist attacks. On Monday, at least 14 soldiers were killed, and 11 others were wounded in an attack by suspected jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda in the Tillaberi region. The troops were ambushed between the villages of Ila Fari and Djangore, with 24 soldiers still reported missing.
The three military led countries have expelled French soldiers who were there helping to fight jihadist groups and have instead turned towards Russia for military assistance. The insurgencies have resulted in thousands of deaths and have displaced more than three million people, fueling a deep humanitarian crisis.
