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Inside Nigeria’s Hidden Military Prison Where Terrorists, Protesters, Students, ‘Enemies Of The State’ Are Held Without Trial –Report

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8 months ago

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Detainees are blindfolded kilometres before arrival. Even upon release, they are similarly masked and led out, unsure of where they’ve been or how to return.

 

The road to Wawa military prison, hidden deep in Nigeria’s North Central region, is deliberately veiled in secrecy. No one, except the military, knows the exact route.

 

Detainees are blindfolded kilometres before arrival. Even upon release, they are similarly masked and led out, unsure of where they’ve been or how to return.

 

On July 27, 2021, eleven individuals travelling home to the South-East after attending the court trial of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were reportedly intercepted by the Department of State Services (DSS) near Lokoja, Kogi State.

 

Accused of being members of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, they were reportedly swiftly detained and held in an underground DSS facility in Abuja.

 

Within weeks, two of them, Nonso Awoke, a final-year computer science student at Ebonyi State University, and Pius Awoke, a practiSing lawyer, were separated from the group, shackled, and sent for what authorities called “military investigation.”

 

They would end up in one of Nigeria’s most secretive military detention centres: Wawa Barracks, according HumAngle.

 

Mapping a Hidden Prison

 

Though officially located in Niger State, the precise position of Wawa prison remained a mystery for years.

 

Some reports linked it to Wawa town, others to New Bussa or Kainji.

 

But a 2024 investigation by HumAngle used satellite imagery and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to locate it on the Kainji-Wawa highway, about four kilometres east of Wawa town and equally distant from the Nigerian Air Force base in New Bussa.

 

The report noted that the facility is buried inside a vast military compound off the Wawa-Wakwa road, nestled between Wawa town and Tamanai village in Borgu Local Government Area.

 

According to insiders, it consists of nine two-storey blocks, labeled ‘A’ to ‘I’, surrounded by double perimeter walls.

 

“Each floor contains 10 cells,” Pius was quoted as saying. “In every cell, there are 15 inmates, making approximately 450 per block.”

 

The Detainee Demographics

Wawa is said to primarily hold detainees accused of terrorism, mostly alleged members of Boko Haram or its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In 2017, a closed military court held at Wawa tried over 1,600 such suspects, convicting several and sentencing them to prison terms ranging from three to 60 years.

The prison reportedly came under ISWAP attack in October 2022, aimed at freeing detained fighters.

The mission failed. The group lost eight men, including a commander.

But it’s not just jihadists inside; Wawa’s detainees include a disturbing mix, civilians arrested during the #EndSARS protests, underage boys, mentally ill individuals, and even herders accused of kidnapping.

 

A growing group of Igbo detainees were reportedly rounded up in the wake of security crackdowns following the 2020 protests, particularly in Obigbo, Rivers State.

 

#EndSARS and the Obigbo Siege

 

In Obigbo, security forces, allegedly responding to IPOB-related violence, conducted house-to-house raids after Governor Nyesom Wike declared a curfew.

 

What followed were allegations of rape, torture, and arbitrary arrests.

 

“Thirty-four of them were taken to Wawa,” Nonso was quoted as saying.

 

“Some of them were conductors and drivers going about their business. One of them was arrested for having a tattoo. Another was arrested for having a beard.”

 

Emeka Umeagbasi, director of civil rights group Intersociety, corroborated these findings.

 

“In our recent report, there’s a declassified document showing a request by the Nigerian Army for the transfer of so-called Boko Haram and IPOB terrorist suspects from the police to Wawa,” he said, according to HumAngle.

 

The Tiv Connection and Gana’s Death

 

Another large group inside Wawa are Tivs from Benue State, rounded up after the controversial killing of militia leader Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana.

 

On September 8, 2020, Gana and his men surrendered during a peace convoy after a reconciliation meeting.

 

They were arrested by the military, and Gana was reportedly executed. Photos of his mutilated corpse later surfaced on social media.

 

Tor Gowon Yaro, who petitioned the National Human Rights Commission for the release of 76 of Gana’s men, said, “None of them has been released. None that I’m aware of.”

 

Pius, who was detained with some of them, added, “They beat them in a way that when they got to that detention, most of them died.”

 

Borno’s Detained Youth and The Knifar Movement

 

In Borno State, the military has for years detained hundreds of civilians after clearing Boko Haram-held areas.

 

Suspected of being collabo

rators, many were trucked to military camps like Giwa Barracks or Wawa.

 

Those captured while trying to flee to safety were also detained.

“Half of Borno youths, especially the Kanuris, are in detention,” Pius reportedly said.

The Knifar Movement, a group of displaced women, emerged to demand justice for these detained men.

While some have been released, including over 1,000 from Giwa and Wawa, many remain incarcerated without trial.

Life Inside the Prison Walls

Life in Wawa is said to be brutal and monotonous.

“Once you’re inside, you’re inside,” said Nonso. “You may not step outside for a year.”

 

Cells, often smaller than the average bedroom, hold 15 people. There’s no privacy, no doors on toilets or showers.

 

Belongings are limited to mats and jerricans. Sleeping space is minimal; blankets are used to demarcate personal areas.

 

Inmates pass time praying, chatting, or playing board games. Some read Hausa literature provided by the Red Cross.

 

Meals are meagre, beans without beans, just water, and often eaten only once a day due to scarcity.

“If they gave us beans, you would not see a single seed,” said Pius. “I once went a whole month without bathing.”

Conditions improve temporarily during visits by the Red Cross. But those visits became rare.

“The Red Cross stopped coming for over a year before I was released,” Pius said. “We heard it was because the soldiers mismanaged what they brought.”

Total Isolation, No News

Wawa also cuts off inmates from the outside world. There are no radios, newspapers, or visits.

 

“I didn’t know they changed money,” Pius recalled, referring to Nigeria’s 2023 currency redesign.

 

“I didn’t even know who was running for president.”

 

This information blackout extends to personal matters. Nonso’s mother believed him dead for nearly three years until she finally heard his voice on the day of his release in June 2024.

 

By then, she had spent two months in the hospital from stress and grief.

Death Comes Quietly: In Wawa, death is routine.

 

-Sahara

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Education

NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

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8 hours ago

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March 27, 2026

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The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

 

 

-Leadership

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Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

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13 hours ago

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March 27, 2026

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

 

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

 

-Leadership

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Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

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14 hours ago

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March 27, 2026

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara

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