Eight boys have been charged over a riot at the notorious Don Dale Youth Detention Centre that saw detainees escape from their cells, set the facility's school on fire and use angle grinders to cut fences in an attempt to escape.
Police were forced to deploy tear gas on children at the youth detention centre in Darwin on November 6, after a staff member's keys were stolen and up to 24 detainees broke free.
Those in detention were placed in the Darwin police watch house for more than 48 hours, while Territory Families worked to regain control of the centre.
Following "complex and protracted investigations", Northern Territory Police have charged eight boys with taking part in a riot, engaging in violent conduct and attempting to escape a detention centre, among others.
The youths, who remain in custody, have been summoned to appear in the Darwin Youth Justice Court on December 18.
It comes after the Northern Territory Government conceded the damage bill from incidents at youth detention facilities in the NT had risen to more than $1 million since July.
The bulk of the $1.27 million repair costs relate to last month's riot, which is expected to cost taxpayers at least $750,000.
