A unit built to fight crime — now accused of crime
The Amnesty Tiger Base report alleges that a police unit created to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in Imo State has instead become a centre of torture, unlawful detention and extrajudicial violence.
The report, titled “Tiger Base of Atrocities: Human Rights Violations by Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit Owerri,” documents investigations conducted between May 2025 and February 2026.
At its public presentation, survivors described cells packed with more than 70 detainees in confined spaces measuring roughly 12 by 12 feet — without ventilation and with overflowing toilets.
Confessions allegedly extracted under torture
According to Amnesty International Nigeria Director Isa Sanusi, detainees were routinely beaten with iron rods and cables, suspended with ropes, cut with sharp objects and subjected to starvation.
Former detainees told the organisation that statements were often extracted under torture and later used to demand payments before release.
One survivor recounted being detained for weeks while officers allegedly negotiated a reduced “settlement” figure with a complainant before demanding payment from his family.
Claims of shootings and disappearances
The Amnesty Tiger Base report further alleges that some detainees were taken from their cells, after which gunshots were heard. In certain instances, survivors said injured detainees were returned with bullet wounds.
The report cites alleged custodial deaths, including Okechukwu Ogbedagu in 2022, whose autopsy reportedly indicated death by asphyxiation, and Japhet Njoku, who allegedly died in detention in May 2025.
Amnesty said officers reportedly failed to appear for a court-ordered autopsy in one case.
Extortion, POS transactions and financial pressure
The report also alleges the existence of an illegal Point of Sale operation within the facility, where families were compelled to withdraw and transfer money onsite to secure the release of detained relatives.
Amounts allegedly ranged from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of naira.
Civil society group Oganihu claimed that between 2021 and 2025, as many as 200 individuals may have died or disappeared in custody — allegations that have not been independently verified.
Police reject allegations as smear campaign
Reacting to similar claims in December 2025, the Imo State Police Command described allegations that Tiger Base was “a slaughterhouse” as unfounded.
Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye stated that the unit is a legitimate tactical formation operating within the law to combat kidnapping and violent crimes.
He denied claims of torture, organ harvesting or extrajudicial killings, describing the narratives as a smear campaign by criminal elements affected by security operations.
The deeper question about oversight and reform
Under Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, authorities are required to investigate allegations of torture and unlawful detention.
Section 62 of the Police Act mandates the release of suspects arrested for non-capital offences within 24 hours, with or without surety.
If detainees were indeed held for weeks or months without court appearance, it would represent a breach of statutory safeguards.
The case now shifts from allegation to accountability.
08112935565, 08161558757
What happens if truth remains contested
Civil society groups have called for an independent, time-bound judicial commission of inquiry, suspension of implicated officers and compensation for victims.
If the allegations are substantiated, they could deepen scrutiny of specialised police formations nationwide.
If dismissed without transparent investigation, critics warn, the legacy of unresolved #EndSARS grievances may harden further.
Tiger Base was created to fight violent crime.
The question now confronting authorities is whether the unit itself must face scrutiny under the same law it enforces.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.