The Imo State Police Command has issued a strong rebuttal against what it describes as false and malicious allegations of human rights violations at its tactical anti-kidnapping unit, popularly known as 'Tiger Base'.
Police Dismiss Viral Video as Fabrication
In a statement released on the night of Wednesday, 4 December 2025, the command's spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Henry Okoye, categorically denied the claims circulating on social media. The viral video had accused officers at the facility of engaging in torture, organ trafficking, and extra-judicial killings.
Okoye stated that the video was "false and unfounded, intended to mislead the public." He emphasized that the Tiger Base is a legitimate tactical formation of the Nigeria Police Force, established specifically to combat serious crimes in the state.
Clarifying the Mandate of Tiger Base
The police spokesperson provided clarity on the unit's official role. He explained that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit is mandated to tackle kidnapping activities, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes within Imo State.
"It is not an illegal detention facility or a place taken as a slaughterhouse, and all suspects are handled in line with the law," Okoye's statement read. He highlighted the unit's operational successes, crediting it with dismantling several notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates, which he said contributed to the improved peace and security enjoyed by residents of Imo State, often referred to as Imolites.
New Oversight and Strong Warnings
In response to the allegations, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the immediate creation of a Human Rights Desk within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. This desk is intended to ensure transparency and safeguard the rights of all individuals handled by the unit.
The command urged the public to direct any genuine complaints through official channels like the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), XSquad, or the newly established Human Rights Desk. Furthermore, DSP Okoye issued a stern warning to individuals spreading the video, reminding them of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
"Individuals circulating false information to incite fear or undermine security efforts are warned to desist, as such acts violate the law," he cautioned. The police framed the allegations as a smear campaign by criminal elements affected by ongoing security operations.
