Chinedu Agu, a lawyer and activist, has raised alarms over alleged threats to his life by personnel of Tiger Base, a special police unit in Imo State accused of systematic torture and extrajudicial killings.
Agu, who was initially arrested in September 2025 following a petition by the Imo State government for allegedly publishing inciting social media posts, has been a vocal critic of both Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration and the Tiger Base unit, describing it as a “specialist in unchecked, barbaric human rights abuses.”
In a public statement, Agu revealed that he received credible intelligence suggesting that elements associated with Tiger Base are dissatisfied with his continued advocacy and have allegedly marked him for elimination.
Agu’s activism includes publishing a satirical poem titled “Tigerbase or Tiger Crase” on December 10, 2025, and participating in the launch of a report by the Coalition Against Police Tigerbase Impunity (CAPTI) on December 15, detailing over 200 unlawful deaths linked to the unit in the past five years.
He stated, “Ordinarily, I would have treated this as one among many threats that accompany civic engagement in Nigeria. However, given the unit’s documented record, this threat must be taken seriously.”
Agu called on the Nigerian Police Force, Imo State government, and relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of himself and his family. He also urged international human rights organisations, foreign diplomatic missions, and civil society groups to take urgent notice, maintain protective attention, and insist on accountability.
Tiger Base, officially the Imo State Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has faced multiple allegations of human rights abuses, including illegal detention, torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings. The police and state government maintain that the unit is a legitimate tactical formation focused on combating serious crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
