Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD), a non-governmental organisation has called for comprehensive reforms and leadership change to restore public trust at Tiger Base, an anti-kidnapping unit of the Imo state Police command.
This is they acknowledged the ongoing concerns about human rights violations linked to Tiger Base, the region’s longstanding anti-kidnapping and anti-robbery unit.
While strong action is needed to address alleged abuses and safeguard fundamental rights, YSAD believes that disbanding Tiger Base is not the appropriate or most effective solution at this time.
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Obinna Nwagbara, executive director, YSAD, said “Tiger Base has played a crucial role in the security landscape of Imo State. However, the legitimacy and effectiveness of any security unit depend on strict adherence to human rights standards, transparency, and accountable leadership.
YSAD called for a reform programme that includes new leadership, better oversight, clearly defined rules of engagement, robust internal investigations mechanisms, and independent monitoring to ensure that operations protect citizens’ rights while maintaining public safety.
It also proposed a prompt and transparent leadership transition, appointing a new head with a proven track record in lawful, rights-respecting policing and public accountability, strengthening of oversight and accountability, establishment of independent civilian oversight, regular audits, and clear reporting channels for abuses or misconduct.
YSAD also called for comprehensive human rights training, mandatory training in human rights, de-escalation, proportional use of force, and ethical conduct for all personnel, clear operational guidelines.
They also called for codified Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with emphasis on proportional force, non-discrimination, and safeguarding civilians, plus rapid disciplinary processes for violations, use of body cameras, to promote transparency and trust.
The group called for structured fora with civil society, religious and youth groups, and local communities to address concerns and co-create security solutions, as well as timely, impartial investigations into all alleged abuses with accountability for offenders, including disciplinary or legal action where warranted.
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YSAD recognised the legitimate right of communities to security and safety from crime, and reiterated commitment to supporting a security framework that protects people’s rights, as an absolute priority.
They urged state authorities, security leadership, and stakeholders to collaborate with civil society and the citizenry to implement the reform measures outlined above.
