RULAAC demands closure of Tiger Base, police unit notorious for torture, Illegal detentions, extrajudicial killings

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for the immediate closure of a dreaded police unit in Imo State known as Tiger Base.

The unit, supposedly for Anti-Kidnapping in Imo State, is known for torture, prolonged and illegal detentions and extrajudicial killings. A recent case was the alleged extrajudicial killing of a security guard in the Alaba Market in Owerri, Japheth Njoku.

He was arrested at the behest of a woman who claimed the deceased must have been responsible for some of her missing goods. Within days of his arrest, the police deposited Japheth’s corpse in a morgue without alerting his family. Meanwhile, they continued to collect foods meant for Japheth who was lying cold in a mortuary.

RULAAC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed grave concern over the widespread human rights abuses, including torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by operatives of the Tiger Base Police Unit.

RULAAC, in the statement says 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.

The statement reads in part, “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.

“This is 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.

“The continued operation of this 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 Calls on the Nigerian Authorities to:

1. Immediately shut down the Tiger Base Unit and disband its operatives.

2. Launch an independent public inquiry into all allegations of torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings linked to Tiger Base.

3. Prosecute all officers found culpable of violating the rights of citizens.

4. Release all detainees held without charge or arraign them in a court of law.

5. Compensate victims and families affected by unlawful actions of the police.

6. Implement comprehensive police reforms, including independent oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent future abuses.

“RULAAC commends the courage of survivors and the families of victims who have come forward despite threats and intimidation. 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.

“We call 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.”