Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Imo State, Nigeria – Human rights activist Okechukwu Nwanguma has brought to light alarming allegations of widespread abuse at Tiger Base, a specialized police anti-kidnapping unit in Imo State. According to reports, the unit has allegedly engaged in torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and even killings, raising serious concerns about law enforcement accountability in the region. Experts warn that if unaddressed, these incidents could trigger public protests similar to the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.
Tiger Base was originally established to combat kidnapping in Imo State. However, multiple accounts over the years suggest the unit has become a source of fear for citizens. Individuals have reported being arrested without evidence, beaten, and forced to pay bribes to secure release. Families who fail to comply with extortion demands face threats to the lives of their loved ones, with some victims reportedly disappearing under suspicious circumstances.
This is not an isolated issue. In 2023, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) formally requested the police commissioner to investigate allegations of abuse at the unit, but no substantive action was taken.
Specific cases highlight the severity of the situation. In December 2023, Izuchukwu Madueke was seized from his home at dawn over a business dispute. Despite being declared innocent by the complainant, officers allegedly extorted 200,000 naira (approximately $120) to release him. In another incident, several young men were apprehended at an ATM in Owerri and reportedly assaulted with machetes to coerce false confessions of cult membership, only being released after paying money.
The situation reportedly deteriorated in 2025. In June, Christian Kelechi Chiwuziem, a 43-year-old hotel driver, was detained without justification. His family said he was denied contact with anyone for weeks, with police demanding 500,000 naira for his release despite orders from the commander to free him. Witnesses reported threats implying that refusal to pay could result in his death.
Cases involving fatalities are particularly troubling. On May 5, 2025, Japheth Njoku, a market guard with no criminal record, was allegedly beaten to death while in custody at Tiger Base over unproven theft accusations. Authorities are accused of obstructing investigations, intimidating witnesses, and altering official records. RULAAC called for the immediate closure of the facility, describing it as a “torture chamber.”
Disappearance cases have also been reported. In June 2025, Onuocha Johnbosco was allegedly taken from his shop by armed personnel. His possessions were stolen, and while police initially denied knowledge, they later claimed he died attempting to escape. His body remains missing, and his residence was reportedly burned twice, possibly by the same officials. Authorities alleged links to the separatist group IPOB, but witnesses have disputed this claim.
The allegations paint a picture of systemic abuse. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for the unit’s closure due to persistent torture, illegal detention, and extortion. Observers note that these abuses are symptomatic of broader challenges within Nigeria’s police system, echoing findings in a 2003 Human Rights Watch report on systemic misconduct.
Nwanguma warns that if government authorities fail to intervene, public anger could escalate. “This is like EndSARS all over again. When police become the terror, society will push back,” he said. Complaints and petitions have been sent to the Inspector-General of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies, but no decisive action has been reported.
Legal experts and activists insist that the government must act swiftly. Measures include suspending implicated officers, conducting independent investigations, and strictly enforcing anti-torture laws. The Imo State Police has denied some of the allegations, yet public concern is mounting, with calls for the disbandment of Tiger Base growing louder.
This story is ongoing, and further updates are expected as investigations and public discourse continue.
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