Human Rights under siege: 19 CSOs demands immediate closure of Tiger Base in Imo State

Stanley Ihedigbo

A coalition of 19 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has petitioned the National Committee Against Torture (NCAT) to shut down the Tiger Base Police Unit in Imo State, citing egregious human rights abuses, including torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings.

The unit, also known as the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, has been accused of operating with impunity, sparking widespread public outcry.

They lamented that detainees have reportedly been subjected to torture, forced to sign confessions, and detained without trial.

“Families have been forced to pay for bail, and some detainees have gone missing, with the police refusing to disclose their whereabouts. There have been reports of extrajudicial killings, with some suspects being paraded in the media without trial,” they further lamented.

The CSOs are demanding the immediate shutdown of Tiger Base and the disbandment of its operatives.

” An independent, transparent public inquiry into all allegations of human rights abuses linked to the unit. Prosecution of culpable officers and compensation for victims and their families and comprehensive police reform measures to prevent future abuses,” they demanded.

They noted that the case of Mr. Thaddeus Ikechukwu Ojokoh, a tailor and father of five, highlights the unit’s alleged impunity.

“He was arrested in broad daylight and held incommunicado, only to be later listed as a suspect in a crime that occurred while he was already in custody. This blatant contradiction exposes a calculated attempt to frame an innocent man”, they explained.

The Imo State Police Command has defended the unit, citing its effectiveness in tackling security challenges. However, the CSOs argued that the unit’s actions undermine the rule of law and the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The groups are; Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France); Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa; Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation (ISDF);
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD);
Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF);
Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS); and Initiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF).

Also, Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development; Nde Oduko Foundation;
Better Community Life Initiative ;
Centre for Environment Human Rights and Development; Vision Spring Initiative; TruORGANIC Initiative for Social and Community Development; People’s Rights Organization; Open Society on Justice Reform Project; Elixir Trust Foundation; Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE) and Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative.

The Inspector General of Police. Police Service Commission and National Human Rights Commission have copied the petition.