The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has revealed that contrary to some reports, no fewer than 65 armed operatives from different services were on ground when the Kuje Correctional Centre was attacked on July 5, 2022.
The Eagle Online recalls that the Islamic State for West Africa Province claimed credit for the attack that left many dead.
The attack also led to the release of over 800 inmates, including 64 high profile Boko Haram Terrorists, who were on trial.
According to Aregbesola, who spoke when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence on Monday, the terrorists orchestrated the attack from Karshi, a community about 65.6km from the prison.
He said 65 armed operatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Police Mobile Force, Nigeria Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Correctional Centre Armed Squad were on ground during the attack.
He added: “In that facility on that day of the invasion were 31 military personnel of the Nigerian Army, five personnel of MOPOL 21, five personal of MOPOL 50, two personnel of counter-terrorism unit of the Nigeria Police, two personnel of Kuje Police Division, seven personnel of Nigeria Immigration Service, three personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, 10 personnel of correction armed squad.
“These 65 people were there for the specific responsibility of assisting and preventing any attack and they were all armed.
“These 65 people were posted to protect the prison from any attack and they were all armed.
“Because of the presence of the press, I will not mention the specific arsenal at their disposal.”
Following the position of Aregbesola not to reveal the arms and ammunition at the disposal of the operatives, members of the Committee resolved that an executive session be held to interface with him.
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