Imo: RULAAC Calls for Closure of Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base)

DDM NEWS

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for the immediate closure of the Imo State Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also known as Tiger Base, over alleged human rights abuses.

RULAAC cited specific cases of torture, unlawful detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings, which have raised concerns about the unit’s operations.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, highlighted the case of Japheth Njoku, a 32-year-old man who died in custody after being detained for alleged cigarette theft.

Nwanguma alleged that Njoku was subjected to torture and inhuman treatment, leading to his death.

RULAAC also expressed concerns about the unit’s disregard for court orders and due process, as well as its alleged involvement in extortion and extrajudicial killings.

RULAAC has called for the immediate closure of the Tiger Base and a thorough investigation into the alleged human rights abuses.

The organization has also demanded that the Imo State Government takes concrete steps to reform the security architecture and ensure that security agencies operate within the bounds of the law and respect human rights.

The Imo State Government has not yet responded to RULAAC’s call for the closure of the Tiger Base.

The controversy surrounding the Tiger Base has significant implications for the state’s security architecture and human rights record.

If the allegations are true, it would suggest a systemic problem with the unit’s operations and a lack of accountability.

The incident highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in security agencies to prevent human rights abuses

The government must investigate the allegations and take necessary actions to address the concerns raised by RULAAC.

The incident underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in security agencies to ensure that human rights are respected and protected.

DDM News gathered that the Anti-Kidnapping unit (Tiger base) is so powerful that it takes orders from the Inspector General of Police instead of the Imo state Commissioner, hence wields too much powers.

DDM News also gathered that the tiger base officers allegedly take orders from the Imo state government house, Owerri.

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