The Imo State Police Command has issued a strong rebuttal against serious allegations circulating on social media concerning its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as 'Tiger Base.' The unit has been accused of functioning as an illegal detention center where torture, organ trafficking, and extrajudicial killings allegedly take place.
Police Spokesman Dismisses Allegations as False Narrative
In an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, categorically denied all claims. He described the viral reports, which labeled the facility a 'slaughterhouse,' as completely false and malicious.
Okoye emphasized that 'Tiger Base' is a legitimate tactical formation of the Nigeria Police Force. Its official mandate is to combat serious crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. He insisted that all suspects handled by the unit are treated strictly in accordance with the law.
Attributing Claims to a Criminal Smear Campaign
The police spokesman suggested that the damaging narratives were deliberately fabricated. He stated they were part of "a smear campaign by criminal elements" whose illegal activities have been disrupted by the unit's successful operations.
Okoye further criticized attempts to introduce ethnic sentiments into the discourse, particularly by targeting the Officer-in-Charge of the unit. He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force is a national institution where officers serve across all regions without bias.
New Oversight Measures and a Warning to Purveyors of Falsehood
To bolster transparency and public trust, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the immediate establishment of a Human Rights Desk within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. This desk is intended to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights of all individuals.
The command urged Imo residents to disregard the false claims and to channel any genuine complaints through official channels like the Complaints Response Unit or the newly created Human Rights Desk.
DSP Okoye also issued a stern warning to individuals spreading false information. He stated that such acts, aimed at inciting fear or undermining security efforts, violate the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 and could lead to prosecution.
