Nigeria must end torture and unlawful detention at Tiger Base
People detained at the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri, known as Tiger Base, have reported prolonged unlawful detention, torture, extortion, and enforced disappearances. Many survivors say they were held for months or even years without trial. These survivors and their families are sending a clear message: they want justice, accountability, and an end to impunity.
Join this action and demand accountability. #EndTigerBase
What’s the problem?
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit known as Tiger Base in Imo State was established to investigate kidnappings. But survivors and witnesses have described a pattern of serious human rights violations.
Many people detained at Tiger Base say they were held without charges for weeks, months, or even years, far beyond what Nigerian law allows.
Some detainees report being tortured, beaten, or forced to sign confessions to crimes they did not commit. Others say their families were forced to pay large sums of money to secure their release.
Overcrowded detention cells, denial of access to lawyers and family members, and intimidation of relatives searching for missing detainees have also been reported.
In some cases, children detained alongside their mothers were taken away and never returned, leaving families searching for answers.
These practices violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations, including the prohibition of torture, the rights to legal representation, access to family and outside world, to fair trial, and of children’s right against removal from lawful custody.
Survivors who endured detention at Tiger Base have described the fear, uncertainty, and abuse they experienced.
“I was held in Tiger Base for more than two years before I was taken to court. My family kept searching for me, but they were told I was not there,” said one survivor.
Despite these experiences, survivors are speaking out to demand justice and ensure others do not suffer the same abuse.
The Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to ensure that all detention facilities operate within the law and respect human rights.
This includes:
- Investigating all allegations of torture and unlawful detention at Tiger Base
- Thoroughly investigate removal of children and their non-return to lawful custody arising from detention of their parents at Tiger Base
- Suspending officers implicated in human rights violations pending investigation
- Ensuring detainees have access to lawyers, families, and fair trial procedures
- Ending extortion and unlawful remand practices
- Providing justice and reparations to victims
What can you do to help?
Join the #EndTigerBase campaign by sending a message now.
Send a message directly to the Inspector General of Police, urging him to investigate abuses at Tiger Base and ensure that victims receive justice.