IGBOZURUOKE MEDIA

A coalition of 37 civil society organisations, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has petitioned the Nigerian Senate to investigate allegations of gross human rights violations perpetrated by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, commonly known as ‘Tiger Base.’

In their petition, the groups alleged that the unit’s actions are reminiscent of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), with victims and eyewitnesses reporting widespread abuse, torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings. 

 The groups stated that the petition follows a week-long investigative journalism report corroborated by testimonies from survivors, victims’ families, and human rights activists.

 According to the petition, ‘Tiger Base’ was established to combat violent crime but has instead operated with impunity, engaging in unlawful detentions, trumped-up charges, and violent abuses. 

The unit, the petitioners argue, has ignored professional policing standards and now serves as a tool for oppression rather than law enforcement.

Among the allegations raised include arbitrary arrests and illegal detention, where suspects are allegedly detained incommunicado and held in inhumane conditions without due process; torture and extrajudicial killings where the groups alleged that there are disturbing reports of detainees suffering severe torture, forced confessions, and unexplained disappearances.

The groups alleged that many detainees are coerced into paying large sums to secure their freedom or avoid fabricated charges.

Sexual abuse and gender-based violence as the groups alleged that some female detainees claimed they were sexually assaulted and subjected to forced labour.

The groups alleged that despite multiple complaints, authorities have failed to investigate or sanction the unit’s officers, further deepening public distrust in law enforcement.

 The petition highlighted that similar abuses in Anambra State’s Rapid Response Squad (formerly SARS Awkuzu) have also gone unpunished, suggesting a systemic problem within the Nigeria Police Force. 

The groups warned that continued inaction could trigger another mass protest akin to the #EndSARS movement of 2020.

The petitioners called on the Senate to initiate an urgent, transparent, and independent investigation into the unit’s activities. 

 They emphasised that police brutality must be curbed to restore public trust and prevent further human rights violations.

“The time for accountability is now. The integrity of Nigeria’s policing system and the trust of its citizens hinge on immediate action to end impunity,” the petition reads.

The Nigerian Senate has yet to respond to the petition. Still, the rights groups insist that decisive measures must be taken to bring perpetrators to justice and reform law enforcement agencies to prevent further abuses.

Sahara Rporters