A nationwide curfew has been imposed in Sierra Leone following armed men breaking into jails and releasing prisoners.
The information minister of the West African country announced on Sunday morning that detainees from several “major” prisons had been released.
The gunmen had earlier targeted a military base in Freetown, the nation’s capital.
The barracks, which are near the presidential mansion, is where locals claimed to have heard gunfire.
The Ministry of Information immediately imposed a curfew following the attack. Flights to and from the country’s sole international airport have been cancelled, and residents are “strongly” advised to stay inside.
At approximately 13:30 (local time and GMT), Information Minister Chernor Bah announced that the “assailants” had been driven back to Freetown’s outskirts.
“The majority of the city is calm and under the control of the state security forces,” he posted on social media site X.
“Major detention centres including the Pademba Road Prisons were attacked earlier today and in the interest of protecting civilian lives (including of prisoners), the security forces were forced to make a tactical retreat.”
The BBC has been informed by a military source that some of the gunmen—including the former president Ernest Koroma’s guard—have been taken into custody.
The BBC saw troops in Freetown early in the morning, demonstrating their intention to “clean Sierra Leone” as others were seen chanting. The soldiers were seen carrying heavy armament in a confiscated police truck.
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The precise number of released inmates is unknown, however social media footage appear to show a number of people running out of the Central Pademba Road prison in Freetown.
In one video, well-known rapper Boss LAJ—who was jailed last year on robbery charges—seemed to be cruising around.
These videos have not been verified by the BBC.
President Julius Maada Bio asked people to stay inside on X and mentioned a resolution to “protect democracy in Sierra Leone”.
After President Bio narrowly avoided the necessity for a run-off election in June, the political climate in Sierra Leone has remained tight.
International observers have denounced acts of violence and intimidation, as well as irregularities and a lack of transparency in the count.
Several troops were detained in August on charges of attempting to overthrow the president.
Following many coups, eight nations in West and Central Africa—including Guinea, a neighbor—are ruled by the military.
Strong comments denouncing the violence on Sunday have been made by the US, the UK, the EU, and the regional body Ecowas.
