RULAAC Urges Immediate Disbandment of Imo State’s Tiger Base Police Unit Over Torture, Killings, and Human Rights Abuses

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has issued a strong call for the immediate disbandment of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Imo State Police Command, known as the Tiger Base Police Unit, following mounting allegations of grave human rights violations.

In a press statement released on Monday, RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, condemned what he described as a consistent pattern of abuse, including torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings, allegedly perpetrated by operatives of the Tiger Base Unit.

Nwanguma stated that recent findings by the organisation—corroborated by verified testimonies of victims and families—paint a disturbing picture of systemic impunity within the unit.

“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,” he said. “Some detainees remain missing, with the police refusing to provide information on their whereabouts to families.”

He stressed that the reported abuses violate Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties such as the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

RULAAC’s call comes amid growing public frustration over alleged unchecked misconduct by special police units—a sentiment that previously ignited the nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020. Nwanguma warned that the continued existence of Tiger Base under its current operations could provoke a resurgence of mass demonstrations.

He accused both state and federal authorities of ignoring repeated petitions, media investigations, and victim testimonies that document illegal operations by the squad, thereby fostering a dangerous culture of impunity.

“The continued operation of the unit sends a dangerous signal that police officers can act outside the law without consequence,” he said. “This not only undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force but also deepens public mistrust.”

Nwanguma also praised the resilience of survivors and the bereaved families who have spoken out despite facing threats and intimidation. He reaffirmed RULAAC’s commitment to working alongside civil society, media, and human rights institutions to ensure justice and protect human dignity.

“We call on the relevant authorities to act decisively before the crisis deepens further,” the statement concluded.

RULAAC has therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission to take the following immediate actions:
• Shut down the Tiger Base Police Unit and disband its operatives.
• Initiate an independent public inquiry into all allegations of torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings linked to the squad.
• Prosecute all officers found to have violated citizens’ rights.
• Release all detainees held without charge or who have not been arraigned.
• Provide compensation for victims and their families.
• Implement far-reaching police reforms, including independent oversight and accountability mechanisms.