Residents close to the area, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the heavy gunshots which started at about 10.pm lasted close to an hour.

They said it is not clear whom the gunmen are but that they are believed to be some criminal elements.

At the time of filing this report the Police in conjunction with the Nigerian Army have cordoned off the roads leading to the prison area.

Other security agents are also on red alert to guard against any breach of security.

Efforts to reach officials of the Kuje Correctional Center for comments failed due to the tension.

CSC AD Umar, PRO, Nigerian Correctional Service, on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, however, has confirmed the attack in a statement titled “Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje Attacked by Gunmen.”

He said: “I wish to confirm that about 2200hrs, some yet to be identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory.

“However, men of the Armed Squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies attached to the Custodial centre have responded and calm has been restored to the facility and the situation is under control.

“Details will be made available soon.”