The authorities in Guinea say at least nine people were killed during a jailbreak in which former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara was briefly freed.
Gunmen stormed the prison in the capital, Conakry, on Saturday, taking Capt Camara and three others.
The justice ministry said suspected attackers, security forces and civilians were among the dead.
The former president and two of the men were later returned to jail.
They are on trial for their alleged role in the killing of more than 150 protesters at Conakry stadium 14 years ago. He has denied the charges.
It’s not clear if Capt Camara and the others were kidnapped or freed by their supporters.