Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
A coalition of civil society organizations has petitioned the President of the Senate, urging an immediate investigation into alleged human rights violations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, known as Tiger Base.
The petition, made available to the press on Monday, March 31, 2025, was submitted through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
According to the petitioners, Tiger Base has become notorious for egregious human rights abuses, drawing comparisons to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The groups allege that the unit engages in arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture, extortion, extrajudicial killings, and even organ harvesting. They also claim that female detainees have been subjected to sexual abuse and forced labor.
The petition reads “‘Tiger Base’, as the notorious police unit has come to be generally known, was set up to tackle incidents of violent crimes, but the activities of the unit bear no resemblance to the requirements of the law or professional policing standards.
“Instead, the unit’s activities and methods evoke the sad memories of the disbanded SARS which was notable for unchecked acts of violence and brutality, eventually sparkling the spontaneous nationwide citizens revolt in October 2020 against police brutality. That youth-led massive #EndsSARS protest was sustained for days amidst calls for the disbandment of the rogue SARS unit, among other demands.
“It was hoped that the #EndSARS movement would have left some hard lessons for the police and Nigerian authorities making them see reasons to end police brutality by ensuring accountability for abuse, guaranteeing justice for victims and enacting far reaching reforms that would root out the impunity that allowed widespread police violence, brutality and corruption.
“Alas, the activities of the Tiger Base, Owerri and similar police tactical units across various states show clearly that no lessons were learnt and that another uprising more cataclysmic could happen anytime soon unless police brutality is checked. ‘Several petitions and reports about the atrocities going on at Tiger Base have been ignored and the atrocities continue unchecked and unabated.’
“The failure of the authorities to investigate cases with a view to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to account and victims gain access to justice sustains the atmosphere of impunity that allows rampant egregious police abuse. For instance, the silence by the police authorities over the findings from the police investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police into allegations of arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, torture, extrajudicial killings and organ harvesting brought against some police operatives attached to the Anambra State Rapid Response Squad (former SARS Awkuzu) by a whistle blower bears testimony to the disposition of police authorities to cover up the atrocities of their personnel rather than ensuring transparent investigations and taking appropriate actions to demonstrate that the police hierarchy is not complicit or does not condone or cover up atrocities. Lack of transparency in addressing complaints of human rights violations destroys public trust in law enforcement.
“The incidents reported in the attached report indicate a fundamental failure of the police to uphold the law, protect citizens, or adhere to ethical standards. The culture of impunity that allows these excesses to persist is detrimental to public trust in law enforcement and justice in Nigeria.
“It is against this background that we jointly submit this petition to draw urgent attention to the alarming allegations of human rights abuses and corruption involving the Tiger Base, Owerri. The troubling accounts from victims—including unlawful detention, torture, coercion, and extortion—reflect a disturbing pattern of misconduct that must be addressed swiftly and decisively.”
The petition calls on the Senate to launch a comprehensive investigation into Tiger Base’s operations, ensure accountability, and implement reforms to prevent further abuses.
Among the 34 signatory organizations are RULAAC, Spaces for Change (S4C), Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), and the Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria.