By Iyke‑Jacobs Nwosu
Independence, in every respect, implies that citizens are free to engage in public discourse within the framework of the law—and such liberty should serve the common good. On this 65th Independence Day, civil society groups and members of the public have levelled serious criticisms against the Tiger Base wing of the Imo State Police Command. The debate, however, appears at times to distort realities rather than illuminate them.
One of the more prominent voices, Julian Francis, publisher of Security News Alert, has alleged that Tiger Base has “weaponized” the proscribed groups ESN and IPOB in its operations. He also accused Imo‑based journalists of complicity and under‑reporting concerning police misconduct. These are grave charges—but they require careful evidence and sober verification.
It is deeply troubling when individuals are judged in absentia—that is, when accusations are made without full knowledge of the context. Many of those speaking seem not to have concrete understanding of how the police operate on the ground. Inquiries often reveal that journalists, despite frustrations, have played a significant role in holding police forces accountable. Their work has contributed to greater transparency and improvements in how law enforcement conducts itself.
Recent reports show that under CP Aboki Danjuma, the Imo Police Command, including its tactical units and Tiger Base, have made operational headway in reducing crime. (thesun.ng) Still, that progress does not excuse misconduct. Civil society groups have raised credible concerns over alleged human rights abuses: claims of extrajudicial killing, torture, illegal detention, extortion, and the wrongful tagging of youths as members of outlawed groups. (thesun.ng)
It is both just and necessary for citizens to demand accountability. A democracy demands that no person, no unit, is above the law. Yet criticism must be fair—not sensational. It should be rooted in evidence, open to counter‑evidence, and mindful of consequences. Reckless allegations can erode trust and undermine the very goal of reform.
Commissioner Danjuma himself has acknowledged the unit’s imperfections, while also defending its establishment as a response to Imo’s security challenges. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria) He has taken steps to address misconduct—including ordering investigations into allegations such as assault on a nursing mother by Tiger Base operatives. (The Guardian Nigeria) He has also banned certain practices, such as extortion, arbitrary phone searches and the use of unmarked patrol vehicles, in an effort to rein in abuses. (The Guardian Nigeria)
On this Independence Day, what is required is a balanced reckoning. Civil society must continue to speak truth to power—demanding justice for the abused, fairness for the wrongly accused, transparency for the security apparatus. At the same time, the police must sustain their efforts to operate professionally, abide by legal norms, and welcome scrutiny.
An undemocratic society is one in which criticism is silenced or dangerous; a fully democratic one is one in which voices are heard, wrongs are addressed, and collective safety is preserved without sacrificing liberty. False or exaggerated claims may harm both the cause of justice and public trust. But so too does impunity.
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