LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian authorities say nearly 2,000 inmates have broken out of jail after crowds attacked two prisons in the latest unrest to hit Africa's most populous nation.

Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Manga said two correctional centers had come under attack by protesters. At last count, 1,993 inmates were missing, he said Tuesday.

“Most of the inmates held at the centers are convicted criminals serving terms for various criminal offenses, awaiting execution or standing trial for violent crimes,” he said in a statement.

Manga said that large crowds bearing dangerous weapons had attacked the officers on guard duty at the facilities.