The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has raised an alarm over escalating allegations of human rights violations at the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as “Tiger Base.”
In a joint statement emailed to Persecondnews and spearheaded by Spaces for Change (S4C), Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA), and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) —alongside 27 other organizations—the coalition condemned a “disturbing pattern” of systemic misconduct.
It stated: “These allegations raise serious concerns about the abuse of police powers and the violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.
“Recent claims that detainees were hurriedly moved to hide the condition of detention facilities have heightened these concerns. If true, such actions would amount to a deliberate attempt to conceal serious abuses and evade accountability.
“Also, troubling are reports of threats and intimidation directed at journalists and civic actors who have raised concerns about the conduct of the unit.
“These alleged actions go beyond individual violations. They undermine public trust in law enforcement, weaken confidence in state institutions, and create fear among citizens, journalists, and human rights defenders.
” No democratic society can afford to ignore allegations of abuse by agencies entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and upholding the law.”
Consequently, the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to launch an immediate, independent inquiry into the operations of the Imo State Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The coalition’s demands include: comprehensive review of detention conditions at “Tiger Base” and similar units.
*Prosecution of all officers found guilty of human rights violations.
* The public release of investigative findings to restore institutional trust.
* Guaranteed justice for survivors and robust protection for whistleblowers reporting police misconduct.
It added: ‘The credibility of public institutions depends on their willingness to uphold justice and accountability. Allegations of torture, unlawful detention, and intimidation must never be ignored or covered up.
“The AGFCS remains committed to defending civic space and protecting the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.
“We urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently to restore public confidence and demonstrate that no institution is above the law.”
The joint statement was endorsed by a broad coalition of 30 organizations, including: Human Rights & Justice: Headfort Foundation for Justice, Center for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J), and Vision Spring Initiatives, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Center for Peace Education and Community Development, and Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding (Kaduna).
Others are Development & Youth Advocacy: African Focus For Youth Development (AFFYD), Entrepreneurship Initiative for African Youth (EIFAY Africa), and The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Environmental & Social Rights: Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Policy Alert, and Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative (P4SEDI).
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF), and World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) also signed the statement.
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