ANALYSIS: Kuje Prison Break: Is Nigeria under Buhari out of security options?

On July 5, the splinter faction of Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), carried out a successful attack on a well-secured prison in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. The group forced their way into Kuje medium-security detention center after overpowering security guards in a well-coordinated assault.

The government said 879 detainees escaped, including the 68 imprisoned Boko Haram members. About half of the escapees have been recaptured, with one confirmed to be from the violent extremist group.

The attackers may have responded to an appeal by the Islamic State (ISIS) in April to release the imprisoned fighters. Detained members of Ansaru (an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in Nigeria) are also believed to have escaped.

This is the latest in a series of high-profile strikes that challenge the government's ability to protect its citizens. The attack came hours after President Muhammadu Buhari's convoy was targeted by bandits in his home state of Katsina. Less than a week earlier, assailants invaded a mining site, killing around 40 security personnel and abducting four Chinese nationals. And a month ago, unknown gunmen killed 40 worshipers at a church in Ondo State.

Last week's prison break, the fourth in a year, is perhaps the most significant incident for Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and beyond, given that it involved Boko Haram detainees. The region is facing an upsurge in terrorist attacks, particularly by ISWAP. The group grew and became the main threat to the security of the region.