Amnesty International has accused operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Imo state, known as Tiger Base, of systemic torture, extortion and unlawful detention.
The rights group unveiled its findings on Wednesday in Enugu, detailing what it described as a pattern of grave human rights abuses at the Owerri-based facility.
Tiger Base was originally established to combat kidnapping. However, Amnesty said the unit has “deviated from its core mandate” and now operates as a centre of abuse.
Prolonged Detention Without Trial
According to the Amnesty International Tiger Base report, detainees are routinely held for weeks, months and even years without being charged to court.
Between May 2025 and February 2026, Amnesty conducted three research missions to Owerri, interviewing 19 survivors and relatives.
One detainee, identified as Ugbala, was allegedly held for 809 days. A woman was detained for 399 days without trial.
Another survivor, Ndukwe, said he was arrested over allegations of buying stolen items and detained despite denying the claims.
“They said if I wanted to be released, my family would have to pay,” he recounted, alleging that officers demanded millions of naira.
Extortion and Isolation
The report alleges that Tiger Base officers deny detainees access to lawyers and relatives, leaving them isolated and vulnerable.
Families, Amnesty said, are frequently pressured to pay large sums for their loved ones’ release. One survivor claimed his relatives paid more than ₦30 million, yet he remained in custody for over two years.
Torture and Deaths in Custody
The Amnesty International Tiger Base report also documents alleged torture and ill-treatment.
Survivors described being beaten with sticks and other objects, suspended with ropes and left with untreated injuries. Women reportedly faced sexual coercion and forced labour during construction work at the facility.
Amnesty further alleged deaths in custody. The report referenced the 2022 death of Okechukwu Ogbedagu, who was handed over to Tiger Base and later died in detention.
A former detainee claimed he witnessed numerous deaths while in custody, attributing them to illness, hunger and physical abuse.
Amnesty’s Recommendations
Amnesty International urged authorities to investigate the allegations and open Tiger Base facilities for independent inspection.
The group also called on the Imo state government to amend sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2020, to ensure detention without court approval does not exceed 24 to 48 hours.
It further asked police authorities to cooperate with NGOs and ensure accountability for alleged misconduct.
