The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has demanded immediate shutdown of the Anti-Cultism Unit in Imo State Police Command, otherwise known as Tiger Base Police, over shocking reports of torture, extrajudicial killings and illegal detention.
The Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed concern over the persistent reports of widespread human rights abuses, including torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by operatives of the Tiger Base Police Unit—the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Imo State Police Command.
He added: “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.”
According to Nwanguma, this was 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 said that the continued operation of the 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.”
RULAAC, therefor,e calls on the Nigerian Authorities to immediately shut down the Tiger Base Unit and disband its operatives.
He also wants the authorities to launch an independent public inquiry into all allegations of torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings linked to Tiger Base.
He further demanded: “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.”
He commended the courage of survivors and the families of victims who have come forward despite threats and intimidation, adding: “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.”
Nwanguma calls 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.
