A high security prison in Niger was attacked by gunmen early Monday in an attempt to free Islamists militants reports Reuters
The gunmen were repelled by security authorities in the Koutoukale priosn about 50 km away from the capital of Niger, Niamey.
Some of militants from the Boko haram terrorist group terrorising Nigeria and its west African neighbours are in the prison. Niger is surrounded by states struggling with terrorist groups, Mali from the west and Libya to the north.
“I can confirm one dead among the attackers. He was wearing a suicide vest,” Mohamed Bazoum told Reuters by phone. “The situation is now under control and our forces are combing the area to try to catch the attackers still at large.
According to Reuters the attack came days after gunmen raided the house of a U.S. aid worker in central Niger, killed his guards and drove him across the desert towards Mali. Gunmen also attacked a refugee camp in Niger’s western Tahoua region, bordering Mali, earlier this month, killing 22 soldiers.
