Sporadic gunshots and bomb blasts have been reportedly heard near the Kuje Correctional centre in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Tuesday night.
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 was not clear who the gunmen are but believed to be some criminal elements.
At the time of filing this report, the Police in conjunction with the Nigerian Army has cordoned off the roads leading to the prison area.
Other security agents are also on red alert to safeguard against any breach of security.
Efforts to reach officials of the Kuje Correctional Center for comments failed due to the tension.