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Wawa Barracks Is Not a Genocide Camp: Inside Nigeria’s Multi-Agency Counter-Terrorism Detention System
Wawa Barracks Is Not a Genocide Camp: Inside Nigeria’s Multi-Agency Counter-Terrorism Detention System
By: Zagazola Makama
Amid viral social media claims alleging “genocide by unlawful detention” and “secret execution of detainees” at the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, findings by Zagazola Investigation reveal a very different reality: Wawa is not a secret torture camp, but one of Nigeria’s three structured, multi-agency detention and investigation hubs used for handling suspects arrested in terrorism-related operations.
The claims have gained traction on some fringe advocacy platforms. But investigation by Zagazola Investigation, involving interviews with senior security officials, lawyers involved in terrorism prosecutions, and independent monitors, shows a much different reality one backed by documentation, video, pictures, court records, and multilateral oversight.
Contrary to online report, the facility does not hold individuals simply for political dissent or IPOB sympathy. Instead, those kept at Wawa are individuals classified as high-risk terrorism suspects, already screened, investigated and recommended for prosecution under federal anti-terrorism law.
Rather than a clandestine “genocide camp,” Wawa Cantonment operates as one of the federally designated holding centres for terrorism suspects awaiting trial transferred from the Northeast joint operations theatre. Its detainees are not randomly arrested civilians, they are individuals classified after investigation as high-risk Boko Haram / ISWAP or other related terrorism suspects to be prosecuted under the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011, 2013, amended 2022).
The centre of the process is the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC), a multi-agency counterterrorism facility established to: “hold, screen, investigate and categorize suspected terrorists arrested by frontline units.”
They are screened and investigated by the Complex Casework Group( CCG) represented from Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Defence Intelligence Agency NSCDC, NDLEA, Immigration and Office of Attorney General.
The CCG, a team of federal lawyers, vets every file and determines those that will be sent to sent to Kainji/Giwa for trial, those that will be rehabilitated through Operation Safe Corridor and those that required to be reintegrated are handed over to Borno State Government. Biometric data, case files, and legal opinions accompany every transfer.
After preliminary arrest at the frontline: Suspect is transferred to JIC with exhibits and initial report, Case file opened, investigators from multiple agencies interview the suspect, Federal High Court grants remand order for detention.
Therefore, contrary to online claims of torture and starvation, JIC operates under internationally monitored guidelines:
Zagazola found out that the inmate were fed three meals daily, with supplements for malnourished suspects Medical care
On-site clinic, referral to UMTH and 7 Div Hospital. TB cases are isolated and treated
while all detainees are issued new clothing, underwear, toiletries Psychosocial wellbeing
TV in cells, physical exercise times, library and skills acquisition.
While family link restoration message delivered to families through ICRC. Notably, children detained with mothers receive basic education, while adults undergo skills training: tailoring, cap-making, poultry, fish farming, barbing.
Senior Military official overseeing JIC operations: “We do not have authority to detain indefinitely. Every person here is under a court-issued remand order. We investigate; lawyers decide. We do not sentence.”
Barr. Ahmed Mainasara, federal terrorism prosecutor (AGF delegation): said There are no secret trials. We conduct legal reviews, issue remand orders, and ensure suspects’ rights are respected. The public simply does not understand the process.”
“Genocide requires intent to wipe out a people. Detention and prosecution of terrorism suspects is lawful. The word genocide is being misused for propaganda.”Mainasara said.
He said that the trial for terrorism cases are held inside military locations because witnesses and investigators cannot be exposed publicly. It is a security necessity, not secrecy.”he said.
ICRC representative, (name withheld): “We have unrestricted access to all detainees. Any claim that these places are ‘off the books’ is false.”
The narrative circulating online claims that hundreds were secretly executed.
Security officials clarified to Zagazola Investigation: “About 200 suspects have been tried and sentenced, not executed. Many are serving long sentences in Kainji Correctional Facility.” Court records reviewed include: FHC/ABJ/CR/21/2019, FHC/KNJ/CR/42/2022, among others.
Military top official overseeing the facilities, told Zagazola that the detention facility in Wawa Barracks, Niger State, is not an illegal facility as alleged. It is backed by a Remand Order issued by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Justice for the continued detention of suspects such as high-profile Boko Haram terrorists, bandit leaders and members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) pending the conclusion of their cases.
“The Nigerian Army’s role is purely to provide security and ensure the safety of the facility, its personnel and all individuals lawfully detained pending the completion of their trials. The trial of suspects in the facility is conducted by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
“These proceedings are transparently conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They are also regularly attended by other International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), human rights observers and relevant stakeholders, ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law and international standards.
“Contrary to the false narrative being circulated, the outcomes of these trials are always made public through the media, reflecting the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
Zagazola Investigation found no evidence supporting claims of genocide, secret executions or unlawful detention at Wawa Cantonment. Instead, Nigeria operates a structured, multi-agency, court-regulated system that includes humanitarian oversight arguably one of the most transparent counter-terrorism detention models in Sub-Saharan Africa.
While detention timelines need improvement and more terrorism courts are required, the narrative of mass killing and genocide inside Wawa is false, and unsupported by evidence.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Wawa Barracks Is Not a Genocide Camp: Inside Nigeria’s Multi-Agency Counter-Terrorism Detention System
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
By: Our Reporter
Prominent Nigerians on Saturday converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to attend the wedding ceremony of three children of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori.
Gatekeepers News reports that there was heavy traffic in parts of Maiduguri as dignitaries from all works of life made frantic effort to access the residence of Dalori and the Al-Ansar Mosque, the two main venues of the wedding ceremony.
Among those in attendance were top government officials, party leaders, traditiona rulers, business moguls, and religious leaders from within and outside Borno State. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, reflecting Dr. Dalori’s political influence and wide network across the country.
Leading the array of dignitaries is the National Chairman of the APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, othe members of National Woking Committee of the APC and large numbers of States Chairmen of the party .
Also in attendance were the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, his Deputy, Hon Umar Kadafur , three Senators from the state- Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Mohammed Ndume Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of the House of Representatives from Borno State
Others are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of Borno State House of Assembly , former Nigeria Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alh. Ibrahim Bunu, Ibrahim , Former Deputy Governors of Borno State- Ali Jatau and Adamu Dibal .
The Deputy National Chairman of the APC was full of gratitude to his guests who left their various confort zones to attend wedding of his children- Usman, Falmata and Aisha .
” I’m immensely grateful our National Chairman of APC Professor Nentawe, our amiable Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and the too many important personalities who came from far and near to honour my invitation, may Allah (SAW) bless you all ” Dalori said .
The wedding rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic injunctions, featuring special prayers for the couples, their families,. The atmosphere was marked by joy, unity, and cultural splendour, as guests exchanged pleasantries and goodwill messages with the host and his family
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the venues to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth flow of activities. Traffic control officers were also on ground to manage the influx of vehicles and guests, while emergency and protocol teams worked tirelessly to coordinate movements and logistics.
The wedding ceremony came to a successful end with a reception that featured traditional music, refreshments, and continued interactions among guests, bringing together leaders and citizens in a rare atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
By: Our Reporter
A new video has emerged showing two men, allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, pleading for help.
One of the victims, Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, is seen in the video appealing for rescue.
The two men were taken hostage on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the abductees said the terrorists are demanding a ransom of $150,000 per person, totaling $300,000, for their release.
‘We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,’ one of the victims said. ‘We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.’
The victims specifically appealed to Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene and help secure their freedom.
‘We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. ‘They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.’
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Cuba following the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the pro-people coalition, which includes labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals, alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026, while protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and what it described as the sovereignty of Venezuela.
The group said the Cubans chose to resist despite being overwhelmed, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
NMSC drew parallels between the incident and past historical events where Cuban nationals were involved in overseas struggles, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation movements in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the fight against apartheid.
According to the organisation, thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems backed by Western powers. The group noted that Cuba’s internationalism has not been limited to armed conflicts, citing the country’s long-standing medical outreach to developing nations, including Nigeria.
The statement also recalled Cuba’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it dispatched medical teams to dozens of countries and received hundreds of stranded cruise ship passengers at a time many nations had closed their borders.
NMSC extended its sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States government to respect international law, halt what it described as foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group further aligned itself with repeated resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, insisting that global peace and development require cooperation rather than conflict.
The statement was signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
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