In Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria, there is a Police Unit commonly known as Tiger Base, the operational name of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of...
In Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria, there is a Police Unit commonly known as Tiger Base, the operational name of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, created to fight kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
Much as security is important and it is true that kidnapping and violence have deeply affected families across the region. However, over time, Tiger Base has become controversial not because of its mandate, but because of what it has turned into. Doing exactly the opposite of what it was formed for.
There have been various disturbing accounts and reports by journalists, civil society organizations, lawyers, and families of survivors and detainees. The police have constantly denied these allegations, but the stories have continued to surface across Imo and neighbouring states. Families describe a similar pattern of torture and extrajudicial killings.
Reports have it that the majority of people arrested were without a clear explanation, but were dumped indefinitely at Tiger Base. Their families say they were not told where they were being held. In many cases, relatives searched police stations for weeks or months before getting any information.
Lawyers and rights groups claim that detainees were often denied access to legal counsel, and some were held for extended periods (one year or longer) without being charged in court.
One widely reported case is that of Japheth Njoku, a trader who was arrested in early 2025. According to civil society group RULAAC, he was transferred to Tiger Base over a minor allegation. His family claims he was detained for months, during which demands for money were allegedly made. In May 2025, news emerged that he had died while still in custody. The police dispute claims of torture, but the family continues to ask for an independent investigation.
Another popular victim of Tiger Base was one Glory Okolie, a young woman who was allegedly detained for several months without trial. Reports claim that she was held far longer than legally allowed before eventually being released. The police later said her detention was linked to security investigations.
These cases are frequently cited not because they are the only ones, but because they are documented examples that families can point to when explaining their fears. Deaths and Disappearances in some communities are usually linked to members of the Tiger Base Police. There are enforced disappearances, killings, and extortion.
The Civil society organizations have continued to petition the authorities to investigate Tiger Base, demanding justice for families, as multiple deaths occurred in the unit over several years, often without autopsies or official explanations given to families.
There have been continued allegations of Torture and Extortion pointing to Tiger Base. Former detainees and advocacy groups alleged that torture was used to force confessions. Methods described include beatings, prolonged restraints, denial of food and medical care. Families also allege that officers demanded money in exchange for release or better treatment. Some say they were warned not to speak publicly after paying.
While the Imo State Police Command has repeatedly rejected accusations of torture, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings, overwhelming evidence is thrown in every day by Survivors and victims from TIGER BASE. A Human Rights Desk has been created to address the atrocities occurring within the Police Unit.
Civil Society organizations like RULAAC, FENRAD, and international groups, including Amnesty International, say the consistency of complaints cannot be ignored as survivors continue to speak up.
They argue that detention without trial violates constitutional rights. Deaths in custody require an independent investigation and not the police. The Families of the dead deserve answers, not silence.
Amnesty International has confirmed it is compiling findings on Tiger Base, indicating that the issue has drawn international attention.
Written by
Ezekiel-Hart
Edited by
Onyekachi Mboma
Imo State Media Team
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