RULAAC demands immediate closure of Imo’s Tiger Base over torture, extrajudicial killings

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the Tiger Base Police Unit in Imo State and demanded immediate closure over persistent reports of widespread human rights abuses, including torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by its operatives.

The group’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stressed that the Tiger Base Police Unit—the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Imo State Police Command, should immediately shut down and prosecute the officers involved in the crimes.

‘Despite repeated petitions, media investigations, and testimonies from victims and families, authorities at both the state and federal levels have failed to take action, allowing a culture of impunity to thrive unchecked.

“Recent findings, supported by victim accounts and verified by RULAAC, reveal chilling patterns of abuse at Tiger Base. Survivors recount being detained without trial, tortured into forced confessions, extorted for bail, and, in many tragic cases, losing loved ones in police custody without explanation. Some detainees remain missing, with their whereabouts unknown and the police refusing to disclose information to their families.

*This is not only a blatant violation of Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria but also contravenes the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture,” he lamented l.

According to him, the continued operation of this rogue unit sends a dangerous signal that police officers can act outside the law without consequence.

“It undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and risks provoking a resurgence of public protests akin to the historic #EndSARS movement. We call on the Nigerian Authorities to, launch an independent public inquiry into all allegations of torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings linked to Tiger Base.

“Prosecute all officers found culpable of violating the rights of citizens. Release all detainees held without charge or arraign them in a court of law. Compensate victims and families affected by unlawful actions of the police and implement comprehensive police reforms, including independent oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent future abuses.

“RULAAC commends the courage of survivors and the families of victims who have come forward despite threats and intimidation. We reaffirm our commitment to continue working with civil society, the media, and human rights institutions to ensure justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and relevant authorities to act decisively before the crisis deepens further,” he emphasized.