The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State, on Wednesday confirmed an attack on its personnel at the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), during the hearing for inmates.
The Lagos state NCoS spokesperson, Mr Olarotimi Oladokun, confirmed the attack in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, saying the attack was staged by persons suspected to be associates of an inmate with a view to free him.
He further confirmed that one of the attackers was shot while trying to dispossess armed personnel of his rifle.
He said the attackers intended to forcefully free an inmate while at the premises of the court.
According to Oladokun, the Controller of Corrections (CC), NCoS Lagos, Mr Adewale Adebisi, quickly deployed a task force to the court premises to ensure that no inmate escaped.
“This quick response and vigilance of the NCoS court escorts thwarted their attempt,” he said.
He further confirmed that all inmates were successfully returned to custody of the custodial centre.
“The NCoS Lagos Controller praised the gallant officers for resisting the attack and securing all inmates back to custody.
“The controller also assured the public that the security of Lagos custodial Centres remains intact.
”He further commended other security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Army for their timely response to restore normalcy,” Oladokun said.
