Date: April 4, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Amed
Fresh allegations have emerged against the Nigerian Police’s controversial anti-kidnapping unit, popularly known as “Tiger Base,” over claims that officers are exploiting legal loopholes to detain suspects indefinitely using ex parte remand orders.
According to reports published on April 4, 2026, the unit—based in Owerri, Imo State—is accused of relying on what has been described as a “prototype ex parte remand order” obtained from magistrates’ courts to justify prolonged detention without trial.
The ex parte remand order, typically issued without the suspect present in court, is intended to allow temporary detention while investigations are ongoing. However, allegations suggest that officers at Tiger Base repeatedly use and renew such orders to keep suspects in custody for extended periods, sometimes spanning months or even years, without formal charges.
Human rights advocates argue that the practice effectively bypasses constitutional safeguards that guarantee suspects the right to fair hearing and timely trial. Critics say the system has been manipulated to create a cycle of indefinite detention under the guise of ongoing investigations.
The Tiger Base unit, officially known as the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, was originally established to combat serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related violence. However, it has faced sustained scrutiny over allegations of abuse, including unlawful detention, torture, and extortion.
Previous reports by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have documented cases of prolonged arbitrary detention at the facility, with some detainees allegedly held for years without being charged in court.
Survivors and rights groups claim that the use of remand orders has become a central tool in maintaining such detentions, enabling officers to operate with minimal judicial oversight. The orders, they allege, are often issued in a standardized or “prototype” format, raising concerns about their legitimacy and proper application.
Legal experts warn that the misuse of ex parte orders undermines the justice system and erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions. They emphasize that such orders are meant to be temporary and subject to strict judicial scrutiny, not a mechanism for indefinite incarceration.
Despite mounting allegations, there has been no immediate official response from the Nigerian Police Force addressing the latest claims. Authorities have previously denied accusations of abuse within the unit, insisting that operations are conducted within the law.
The revelations are likely to intensify calls from civil society groups and international organizations for an independent investigation into the activities of the Tiger Base unit, as concerns grow over human rights violations and accountability within Nigeria’s policing system.