The Imo State Police Command has strongly denied a series of disturbing allegations circulating on social media accusing its Anti-Kidnapping Unit—popularly known by its operational call sign, “Tiger Base”—of torture, organ trafficking and extrajudicial killings. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, on Thursday, the Command described the allegations as false, malicious and orchestrated to mislead the public and undermine ongoing security operations in the state.
The viral publication, which has generated widespread concern among residents, alleged that Tiger Base operates as an illegal detention centre where suspects are subjected to inhumane treatment. Responding to the claims, the Police Command firmly stated that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit is a legitimate tactical formation of the Nigeria Police Force, duly mandated to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes that threaten the safety of Imo State.
According to the Command, Tiger Base has been instrumental in dismantling several high-profile criminal syndicates across the state, significantly contributing to the relative peace and improved security enjoyed by residents in recent months. The police stressed that the unit’s operations are guided strictly by established legal procedures and that suspects are processed in accordance with constitutional and human-rights standards.
“There is no credible evidence supporting the allegations of torture, organ harvesting or extrajudicial killings,” the statement read. “These narratives are nothing more than a smear campaign orchestrated by criminal elements who have suffered losses due to intensified security operations.” The Command added that such misinformation is capable of inciting fear, discouraging public cooperation with law enforcement, and emboldening criminal networks seeking to destabilise the state.
Police authorities also condemned attempts by certain individuals to introduce ethnic or political sentiments into routine policing activities. The Command emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is a national institution whose officers serve across all states regardless of ethnic background, religion or geopolitical origin. The targeting of the Officer-in-Charge of Tiger Base for personal attacks, the Command said, is irresponsible and designed to distract security personnel from their critical duties.
To further reinforce accountability and public trust, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the immediate establishment of a Human Rights Desk within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. This desk will serve as an additional oversight mechanism to ensure that all operations carried out by the unit comply with the law and respect the rights of all detainees. The Command noted that Tiger Base already works in synergy with other security agencies, as well as community policing structures, all of which help maintain transparency and prevent abuses.
The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to disregard the viral publication and rely on verified information provided by the Police Command. He encouraged Imo residents with genuine complaints or concerns to report directly to the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad, or the newly established Human Rights Desk within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. These channels, he said, offer credible avenues for investigation and redress.
The Police Command also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups spreading falsehoods with the intention of inciting fear, damaging the reputation of security agencies or undermining ongoing security efforts. Such acts, the Command reminded the public, are offences under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 and will attract legal consequences.
The statement concluded with a reassurance to Imo residents that the Police Command remains committed to its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure that the state remains safe for all. The leadership of the Command emphasized that no amount of propaganda or false allegation will derail its resolve to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
The Imo State Police Command called on the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement and avoid falling for misinformation deliberately crafted by criminal elements seeking to weaken the state’s security architecture.
