The escape has raised concerns about the ability of Niger’s military to contain jihadist threats in the region, particularly as they are already stretched thin protecting the junta that seized power in last year’s coup and responding to attacks in the west.

A curfew has been imposed in the restive Tillaberi region of Niger Republic after a mass prison break at the high-security Koutoukale prison, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of the capital, Niamey.

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The incident occurred on Thursday, according to the interior ministry. This is not the first attempted jailbreak at the facility, with two previous attempts in 2016 and 2019 being thwarted.

The escape has raised concerns about the ability of Niger’s military to contain jihadist threats in the region, particularly as they are already stretched thin protecting the junta that seized power in last year’s coup and responding to attacks in the west.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, disclosed that the prison, located near the capital city of Niamey, was the scene of a violent mutiny that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.

Citing eyewitnesses, gunshots and explosions were heard inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces. However, the inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armoured gates, barbed wire, and trenches.

Meanwhile, the ministry did not specify in its statement how many prisoners managed to escape in the latest jailbreak.

Interior Minister has issued a radio message to all governors, confirming the escape and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.

A curfew has been declared in the Tillabéri region, and the entire River Niger region is on high alert. The curfew restricts all movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles.

According to Reuters, the prison’s inmates include detainees from the West African country’s conflict with armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State and suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

Niger and its neighbours – Mali and Burkina Faso, all under military rule, have been battling to contain increasing jihadist attacks.

On Monday, at least 14 soldiers were killed and 11 others 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 all expelled French soldiers who were there helping to fight jihadist groups and turned towards Russia for military assistance.

Thousands have been killed in the insurgencies and more than three million displaced, fuelling a deep humanitarian crisis.