Members of the radical Islamic group Boko Haram attacked a federal prison in the city of Bauchi in northern Nigeria Monday, freeing least 750 prisoners.
The armed attackers stormed the prison about 6:40 p.m. local time, reported Nigerian media the Peoples Daily. The attackers forced their way in overpowering the prison guards. Citing an unconfirmed report, the Daily said nearly all the prison’s inmates escaped.
The prison held around 150 members of Boko Haram who were awaiting trial after arrests last year following attacks on police stations. Boko Haram wants all of Nigeria to follow Muslim Sharia law.
Following the attack and preceding January elections, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced Wednesday that he will replace the heads of army, navy, air force, and police, according to the Nigerian Tribune.
President Jonathan, a Christian, took office in May after the death of then President Umaru Yar'Adua.
The armed attackers stormed the prison about 6:40 p.m. local time, reported Nigerian media the Peoples Daily. The attackers forced their way in overpowering the prison guards. Citing an unconfirmed report, the Daily said nearly all the prison’s inmates escaped.
The prison held around 150 members of Boko Haram who were awaiting trial after arrests last year following attacks on police stations. Boko Haram wants all of Nigeria to follow Muslim Sharia law.
Following the attack and preceding January elections, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced Wednesday that he will replace the heads of army, navy, air force, and police, according to the Nigerian Tribune.
President Jonathan, a Christian, took office in May after the death of then President Umaru Yar'Adua.
