37 CSOs write Senate over alleged atrocities of Tiger Base police unit in Imo, demand investigation

 

Thirty seven civil society organizations have called the attention of the National Assembly to the allegation of horrendous human rights abuses perpetrated by the dreaded anti-kidnapping unit, popularly known as Tiger Base in Imo State.

Like its name, the unit is alleged to prey on Nigerians, devouring them of their resources and dignity in the name of policing.

Investigative journalist, Juliana Francis, had with support of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) interviewed several victims of the Tiger Base where she detailed the range of abuses at the unit to include rape, extortion, torture and even deaths.

Through the Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the CSOs call for the Senate’s Investigation into the human rights violations by the Tiger Base.

The petition reads: “We, the undersigned, hereby submit this petition to urgently bring to your attention the alarming activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, located at Tiger Base. The operations of this unit have been reported to be far worse than those of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), with numerous documented instances of egregious human rights violations.

“Over the past one week, a serialized investigative journalism report (herewith attached), supported by testimonies from victims and survivors, has highlighted the atrocities committed and must be thoroughly reviewed. The report reveals shocking accounts by victims, survivors, relatives of victims and survivors, activists and human rights defenders and witnesses of egregious human rights atrocities, corruption and flagrant abuse of power sustained by impunity and the failure by police and police oversight authorities to investigate allegations and ensure accountability and justice.

“The report was also based on responses by the Nigeria Police, Correctional Services, the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, the Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission, among other respondents.

“‘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 grave concerns regarding the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Tiger Base include but are not limited to:1. Arbitrary Arrests and Unlawful Detention. Members of the unit are known to carry out arrests without due process, detaining individuals incommunicado and in inhumane conditions.

“2. Trumped-Up Charges and Extortion. Suspects are often presented with fabricated allegations, of which they are coerced into complying with extortion demands.

“3. Torture and Extrajudicial Killings. There are disturbing reports of torture inflicted upon those in custody, as well as credible allegations of extrajudicial killings and disappearances of individuals detained by this unit.

“4. Rape, gender-based and other forms of sexual abuse. Some female detainees report being subjected to sexual abuse and used for forced labour.

“5. Political Persecution. The unit has been utilized as a tool for political vendetta, targeting dissenters and opposition figures while operating with a blatant disregard for the law.

“6. Impunity and Lack of Accountability. Numerous complaints levied against this notorious unit have been ignored by police authorities. This unit seemingly answers more to the Governor of Imo State than to the Commissioner of Police, further entrenching a culture of impunity.

“It is clear that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit operates above the law, largely unchecked and emboldened to engage in oppressive practices that infringe upon the rights of the citizens of Imo State.We urge the Senate to take immediate and decisive action by conducting a thorough, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into the activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

“The Senate must ensure accountability and advocate for the implementation of reforms.The time for accountability is now. The integrity of the Nigerian policing system and the trust of the citizens hinge on your commitment to uphold human rights and the rule of law. We appeal for your prompt attention to this pressing matter to restore justice and safeguard the rights of all Nigerians.

Sincerely,

1. RULAAC, Lagos

2. Spaces for Change (S4C), Lagos

3. Elixir Trust: Elixir Trust Foundation, Benue State

4. Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Aba, Abia State

5. World Impact Development Foundation, (WIDEF)

6. Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE), llorin – Kwara

7. Imam Mahdi Foundation for Global Peace

8. Islamic Initiative for Human Rights Protection

9. Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development, Imo

 

10. Center for Peace Education and Community Development Foundation, Taraba

11. Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding, Kaduna

12. Habitatcare and Protection Initiative, Imo

13. Human Rights Journalists Network, Nigeria

14. OGECHI & SAM IKEH FOUNDATION (OSAIF)

15. Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA)- Abeokuta, Ogun State

 

16. Virgin Heart Foundation, Imo

 

17. Initiative for Public Safety Security and Educational Development in Nigeria (IPSSED Network) Enugu State

18. Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Aba, Abia State

19. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Abia

20. Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development, IRIAD

21. Open Society on Justice Reform Project, Lagos

22. Solidarity for the paradigm shift initiative, Enugu

23. Legal Resources Consortium, Lagos

24. Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria, Lagos

25. Justice for Peace and Development Initiative, Lagos

26. Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Lagos

27. Center for Peace Education and Community Development, Taraba state.

28. TruORGANIC Initiative for Social & Communities Development, Kwara State

 

29. Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative – Cross River State

 

30. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), Imo

31. Sisters With A Goal Initiative, SWAG, Imo State.

32. ÓNÚRÚBÉ coalition Against Gender based Violence, Southeast States.

33. Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF) Rivers State

34. Nde Oduko Foundation, Abuja

35. Centre for Citizens with Disabilities

36. Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Abuja

37. Institutional and sustainable development foundation FCT .