Can they avert the attacks of aggressive prisoners? (7)

I believe the answer is:

warders

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'prisoners?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for warders that I've seen before include "Prison guards" , "Prison officers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app