High-Security Jailbreak Shakes Niger: Islamist Militants on the Loose

Niger's interior ministry has alerted search units after a jailbreak at the high-security Koutoukale prison involving inmates, including Islamist militants. The number of escaped prisoners remains unknown. The authorities imposed a curfew in Tillaberi, highlighting growing jihadist threats in the Sahel region, which have displaced millions and caused significant casualties.

Niger's interior ministry has put search units on high alert following the escape of inmates from the high-security Koutoukale prison on Thursday. Known for holding Islamist militants, the ministry's statement did not specify the number or method of escape.

The Koutoukale prison, located 50 km northwest of Niamey, houses detainees from the West African conflict involving armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, as well as suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Authorities responded by imposing an overnight curfew in Tillaberi, the region where the prison is situated.

Niger and its central Sahel neighbors are combating a rising jihadist threat that emerged in 2012 when al Qaeda militants seized Mali territories. The ensuing insurgencies have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over 3 million people, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)