Sunday, December 14, 2025 - The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has called for the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Force facility, popularly known as ‘Tiger Base’ in Imo State, following persistent allegations of grave human rights violations associated with its operations.
The group said that over several years, credible reports
from victims, families, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and
proceedings before Nigerian courts have consistently raised serious concerns
about activities allegedly carried out at Tiger Base.
These include reports of torture and other cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment; arbitrary and prolonged detention; denial of access to
legal counsel and family members; extortion; and deaths in custody.
FENRAD noted that those allegations were not isolated
claims, but form a pattern reflected across multiple independent accounts,
including; Affidavits and testimonies filed in Nigerian courts, where detainees
and families have alleged severe physical abuse and unlawful detention linked
to the facility;
It stated that Publicly reported cases by national and
international media outlets, detailing alleged torture, secret detention, and
deaths following arrest by officers attached to Tiger Base.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the
group’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor and made available to
journalists.
According to the statement, judicial observations in habeas
corpus and fundamental rights enforcement proceedings, where courts have
questioned prolonged detention and the conduct of officers connected to the
facility.
While FENRAD recognizes that allegations must be tested
through due process, the volume, consistency, and longevity of these reports
raise serious concerns that demand urgent institutional response.
The human rights Advocacy group further said that the
continued operation facility facing such allegations constitutes a serious
threat to constitutional governance and public trust in law enforcement, and
appears inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (as amended), particularly; Section 33 – Right to Life, Section 34 –
Right to Dignity of the Human Person,Section 35 – Right to Personal Liberty.
Additionally, the alleged practices conflict with Nigeria’s
obligations under binding international and regional instruments, including the
United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT), the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights, all of which absolutely prohibit torture and arbitrary
detention.
FENRAD emphasized that crime prevention and internal
security cannot be pursued outside the framework of the law. Experience has
shown—most notably in the case of now-disbanded special police units—that
tactical formations operating with secrecy and weak oversight are particularly
vulnerable to abuse.
It demanded: “Immediate suspension of operations and closure
of Tiger Base, pending the outcome of an independent investigation.
“Establishment of an independent judicial commission of
inquiry to examine all allegations connected to the facility, including
reported cases of torture, enforced disappearance, and deaths in custody.
“Transparent investigation and prosecution, where
applicable, of any officers found to have violated the law, in accordance with
due process and without institutional shielding.
“Access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for
victims and affected families, including medical and psychosocial support.
“Structural police reforms in Imo State, including
independent oversight of tactical units, strict detention safeguards, mandatory
human rights training, and guaranteed access to lawyers and family members for
detainees.
FENRAD is also calling on the Inspector-General of Police,
the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Imo
State Government, the Judiciary, and the National Assembly to act promptly,
transparently, and in the public interest.
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