33 Civil Society Groups demand urgent probe of alleged abuses at Imo Police ‘Tiger Base’

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

A coalition of 33 civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has called for an urgent, independent investigation into alleged human rights abuses at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, popularly known as “Tiger Base.”

In a strongly worded statement, the coalition expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing pattern of violations linked to the unit, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture, degrading treatment, and poor detention conditions.

According to the group, recent reports suggest that detainees may have been hurriedly relocated in a bid to conceal the true state of detention facilities.

The coalition warned that if verified, such actions would amount to a deliberate attempt to cover up abuses and evade accountability.

The statement further highlighted allegations of threats and intimidation against journalists and civic actors who have sought to expose the situation, describing the development as dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic space.

“These alleged actions go beyond individual violations. They undermine public trust in law enforcement, weaken confidence in state institutions, and create fear among citizens, journalists, and human rights defenders,” the group said.

The coalition stressed that no democratic society can afford to ignore allegations of abuse by agencies tasked with protecting lives and upholding the rule of law.

Consequently, the AGFCS called on the Inspector General of Police and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take immediate steps to address the situation.

These include launching an independent investigation into the activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Imo State, conducting a thorough inspection of detention facilities, and ensuring that any officers found culpable are held accountable.

The group also demanded that findings from such investigations be made public to guarantee transparency, while victims of any confirmed abuses should receive justice and adequate protection.

“The credibility of public institutions depends on their willingness to uphold justice and accountability. Allegations of torture, unlawful detention, and intimidation must never be ignored or covered up,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting civic space and fundamental freedoms, the coalition urged authorities to act swiftly and transparently to restore public confidence and demonstrate that no institution is above the law.

The statement was jointly signed by 33 organisations, including African Focus for Youth Development (AFFYD), Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Center for Peace Education and Community Development, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding – Kaduna and Center for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J).

Also, Community Youth Arise Network, Divine Era Development and Social Rights Initiative – DEDASRI, Elixir Trust Foundation (ETF), Entrepreneurship Initiative for African Youth (EIFAY Africa), Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Garga Foundation, Headfort Foundation for Justice and Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi).

As well as Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation (ISDF) FCT, Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development (OPAISD), Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative – P4SEDI, Policy Alert, Prime Youths and Women Empowerment Initiative (Pywei), Rainbow Watch and Development Centre, Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA), Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and Rural and Urban.

Others are, Development Initiatives (RUDI), Spaces for Change | S4C, The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Thrivescape Initiative, Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF), Vision Spring Initiatives Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) and World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF).