The Owerri Correctional Centre on Monday released the details of how the centre was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of the day.
The correctional center noted that the gunmen invaded the facility at 02:15 on Monday morning.
It further stated that they arrived in several Hilux van and Sienna buses, armed with sophisticated weapons.
The gunmen upon their arrival engaged security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.
It added that the criminals gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.
They eventually detonated the explosive “to gain entrance”.
A total 1,844 inmates in custody were forcefully released.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security agents.
It has also commenced a search and recover operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.
The spokesperson of NCOS in the state, Francis Enobore said, his principal had directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to “remain vigilant at this trying moment in our history”.
At last count, six inmates have so far voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack.
In a related development, unknown gunmen on Sunday attacked the Ukworji checkpoint of the Nigerian Army along Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State, burning down the operational vehicles.
Gistlover reports that gunmen have continued their assault against security operatives in the South-East region of the country.
