In the latest in a series of jail breaks in prisons across the country, the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) has confirmed a jailbreak at the Minna prison, Niger State on Sunday night.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Rabiu Shuaibu on Monday, the service said although the number of escaped prisoners is yet to be ascertained, seven of the escapee prisoners have been rearrested.

He also said one officer was killed in the attack the unfortunate incident was carried out by some armed criminals who attacked the prison facility and gained access after an exchange of gunfire with the prison guards.

“On Sunday, 3rd June, 2018 at about 8 pm, there was a jailbreak at Minna Medium Security Prison located at Tunga area of Minna Metropolis. The unfortunate incident was perpetuated by armed criminals who attacked the prison and gained access after exchange of fire with prison armed men.

“This led to death of a prison officer and an Okada rider who conveys a prison officer on night duty. So far, through combined effort of all security agencies in the state, 7 prisoners who attempted to escape have been recaptured and returned to the prison.

“The prison authority in Minna is profiling the number of fleeing inmates to ascertain the escaped prisoners. However, normalcy has returned and security agencies are working together to ensure that fleeing inmates are recaptured.

“The general public is hereby assured of its safety; and advised to go on with its normal business.

At this juncture, we will like to urge all law abiding citizens to support the security agencies in maintaining law and order as security is a collective responsibility. We also advise that citizens should endeavor to report to security agencies any suspicious person or group of persons,” the statement read.