The Security Situation Room (SSR) has called for the immediate shutdown of the controversial detention facility known as Tiger Base, located in Owerri, Imo State, following serious allegations of torture, unlawful detention, and extortion linked to the police unit operating there.
The demand comes after findings published by Amnesty International, which reportedly detailed disturbing claims about the activities of an anti-kidnapping unit under the Nigeria Police Force.
According to SSR, the allegations surrounding Tiger Base raise serious concerns about respect for human rights and adherence to Nigeria’s legal framework.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation described the findings as deeply troubling and called on authorities to urgently investigate the claims.
The statement was signed by Favour Munachi Agunwa, who serves as the group’s Media and Programmes Officer.
According to SSR, testimonies collected during the investigation suggest that detainees held at Tiger Base may have been subjected to various forms of abuse while in custody.
These allegations include prolonged detention without trial, physical torture, extortion, and harsh conditions inside the facility.
The organisation noted that Nigeria’s legal system already provides clear protections for individuals who are arrested.
Under the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, anyone detained for an alleged offence must either be granted bail or formally charged before a competent court within 24 to 48 hours.
SSR emphasised that these constitutional provisions exist to prevent abuse of authority and to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the limits of due process.
However, accounts highlighted in the report indicate that several detainees may have remained in custody at Tiger Base for weeks without appearing before a court.
Witness testimonies also alleged that suspects were subjected to severe forms of mistreatment during interrogation.
Some detainees reportedly described experiences involving beatings, forced stress positions, starvation and other forms of coercion allegedly used to extract confessions or information.
The organisation further expressed concern about reports describing overcrowded cells within the facility.
According to some accounts, the number of detainees reportedly held in the cells far exceeded the capacity of the detention centre, creating extremely harsh living conditions for those in custody.
Equally alarming were claims that some detainees allegedly died while being held at the facility.
The circumstances surrounding these reported deaths remain unclear, prompting calls for a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Tiger Base over the past several years.
SSR stated that if the allegations are proven to be accurate, they would represent serious violations of both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
Despite acknowledging the importance of strong security measures in addressing crime and kidnapping, the organisation stressed that such efforts must never undermine justice or the dignity of citizens.
According to the group, security institutions must operate within the framework of the law regardless of the challenges they face.
The organisation insisted that Nigeria’s democratic institutions cannot tolerate practices that contradict constitutional safeguards.
It warned that actions capable of eroding public trust in law enforcement agencies must be addressed decisively.
As part of its recommendations, SSR called for the immediate dismantling of Tiger Base in its current operational form while an independent investigation into the allegations is conducted.
The group also demanded the suspension and investigation of the officer reportedly in charge of the unit, Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa.
According to the organisation, leadership responsibility means that those overseeing the facility must account for any violations that may have occurred under their watch.
In addition, SSR urged authorities to conduct a full audit of detention records connected to the facility.
The organisation said the review should examine cases of alleged torture, unlawful detention, and reported deaths linked to Tiger Base over the last four years.
The investigation, according to the group, must be transparent and independent in order to restore public confidence in the justice system.
SSR stressed that any officer found responsible for wrongdoing should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The organisation also called on key oversight institutions to intervene promptly. These include the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission.
According to SSR, these institutions have a duty to ensure accountability within the policing system and to protect citizens from potential abuses.
The group added that the families of individuals who may have suffered abuse or lost loved ones deserve justice.
It also stressed that Nigerians must be reassured that police detention facilities will never become centres for unlawful detention, torture, or extrajudicial punishment.
SSR concluded by emphasising that accountability remains a key pillar of democratic governance.
The organisation argued that meaningful reforms within law enforcement agencies are necessary to prevent future violations and to rebuild public trust in the country’s security institutions.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Tiger Base has reignited wider discussions about policing standards, detainee rights and the urgent need for stronger oversight mechanisms within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
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