Human rights group Amnesty International Nigeria has raised alarm over what it described as severe overcrowding and inhumane conditions at the Tiger Base police detention centre, calling for urgent intervention by authorities.
In a series of posts shared on social media, the organisation said the detention facility in Owerri, Imo State, contains four main cells labelled 1 to 4, each measuring roughly 12 by 12 feet but allegedly holding more than 70 detainees at a time. According to the group, the cells are poorly ventilated and so congested that detainees reportedly cannot properly sit or lie down.
“The cells are inadequately ventilated. There is no space to sit or lie down properly; detainees take turns squatting or sitting,” Amnesty International Nigeria said, adding that overcrowding extends beyond the cells. The organisation claimed that “more than 100 additional detainees” are often packed into corridors around the facility.
The group also cited testimonies from detainees who described harsh conditions inside the detention centre, including sleep deprivation and injuries allegedly inflicted during interrogations. “According to testimonies, detainees are always unable to sleep. They rotate between squatting, lying down, or standing, often suffering swollen legs and open wounds inflicted through beatings by Tiger Base officers,” the organisation stated.
The claims have sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding investigations and reforms within the police detention system. Some commenters described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, arguing that the reported conditions violate constitutional protections against inhuman treatment.
One social media user wrote, “This is a humanitarian crisis unfolding in plain sight at Tiger Base… Urgent intervention needed from Imo State government, the police, and human rights groups.”
Others called for action from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, including the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, urging authorities to investigate the allegations and reform or dismantle the facility.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the police regarding the specific allegations raised by Amnesty International Nigeria and concerned citizens online. Human rights advocates say an independent inspection of the detention centre and measures to reduce overcrowding are urgently needed. #securitynewsalert.com
