The attack on the Kuje facility is the latest in a series of attacks on prisons in Nigeria.
Between April 5, 2021, and June 5, 2022, there were at least nine reports of attacks on prisons in different parts of Nigeria.
Before the Kuje incident, there were attacks on the Owerri prison, Bauchi prison, Ubiaja prison in Edo State, Kurmawa Prison in Kano, Jos and Plateau prisons, Kabba prison in Kogi, and Abolongo prison in Oyo State.
Since its establishment in 1989, the Kuje prison has housed different categories of prisoners, from murderers to corrupt politicians.
A day after the attack on Kuje prison, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service said none of the prominent detainees in the facility escaped.
“This is also to confirm to the general public that DCP Abba Kyari and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape. They are presently in custody, hale and hearty,” he said.
However, there are indications that some of the prominent detainees did indeed escape.
PREMIUM TIMES profiles below some of the prominent detainees at the Kuje prison during the attack.
Hamisu Bala (Wadume)
Popularly known as Wadume, Hamisu Bala was a Taraba-based kidnap kingpin who was notorious in the North-east and North-central parts of Nigeria.
After his arrest on August 6, 2019, Mr Bala, allegedly assisted by compromised soldiers, escaped when they opened fire on police officers transporting the kidnap kingpin.
Profile Of ‘VIP’ Inmates In Kuje Prison Before Attack – Politics – Nigeria (nairaland.com)