Amanze Chinonye
Amnesty International has released a damning investigation accusing the Nigeria Police Force’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Imo State, widely known as “Tiger Base,” of entrenched human rights violations including torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, extortion and enforced disappearances, Prime Business Africa reports.
The report, titled “Tiger Base of atrocities: Human rights violations by Nigeria police anti-kidnapping unit in Owerri,” documents testimonies from former detainees who described systematic abuse at the facility located in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Allegations of Torture and Degrading Treatment
According to the findings, survivors recounted repeated beatings with sticks, belts, wires, machetes, wooden planks and pistol butts. The abuse, they said, left visible injuries and long-term physical pain.
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Detainees told investigators they were often unable to sleep, forced to rotate between squatting, standing and lying in cramped positions due to severe overcrowding. Many reportedly suffered swollen legs and untreated wounds resulting from beatings by officers.
Amnesty International said such treatment amounts to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment prohibited under Nigerian and international law.
READ ALSO : Amnesty International Alleges Killings, Torture at Tiger Base in New Report
Severe Overcrowding and Inhumane Conditions
The investigation states that the Tiger Base detention facility has four main cells, numbered 1 to 4 each measuring approximately 12 by 12 feet. Despite the limited space, more than 70 detainees are allegedly confined in each cell at a time, with over 100 additional detainees packed into corridors.
Former detainees described cells that were poorly ventilated, unsanitary and lacking sufficient space to sit or lie down. Inmates reportedly take turns squatting or sitting due to extreme congestion.
Amnesty said the overcrowded and unhygienic conditions have led to severe health complications and, in some cases, deaths in custody.
Alleged Removal and Disappearance of Children
One of the most disturbing findings in the report concerns children arrested alongside their mothers.
Survivors told investigators that children detained with their mothers were taken away by officers and never returned. Amnesty alleges that these removals occurred without documentation, with no official records of the children’s whereabouts.
Mothers who sought information about their children were allegedly denied access and obstructed by officers. Amnesty concluded that the pattern suggests enforced disappearance defined under international law as the arrest or detention of a person by state agents followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or disclose the person’s fate or whereabouts.
The report states that the practices documented at Tiger Base violate Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the Anti-Torture Act 2017, and international human rights obligations binding on the country.
It further accuses the unit of prolonged arbitrary detention, with suspects allegedly held for extended periods without charge or access to court.
Call for Independent Investigation
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations, ensure accountability for officers found responsible, and provide justice and reparations for victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the Imo State Police Command had not publicly responded in detail to the specific allegations contained in the briefing.
Tiger Base was established as part of efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime in Imo State. However, Amnesty’s findings raise serious concerns about the conduct of the unit and the treatment of detainees within its custody.
The organisation urged authorities to immediately address conditions at the facility and ensure that all detention practices comply with constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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