FIC Report (Imo State) – The Imo State Police Command has formally disbanded the Anti-Kidnapping Unit popularly known as Tiger Base, alongside other tactical squads with similar operational structures, replacing them with a newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen the fight against violent crimes across the state.
The development was announced at the Command Headquarters in Owerri as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning tactical policing operations and enhancing professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
Other tactical formations affected by the restructuring include the Scorpion Unit and the Lion Squad, whose operations were previously linked to the disbanded outfit.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, stated that the reform was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and professionalism in tactical policing nationwide.
According to the Commissioner, the newly established VCRU will focus on intelligence-driven operations targeting armed robberies and other violent crimes.
He explained that officers selected for the new unit were carefully screened based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience, adding that they had undergone specialized training in tactical response, intelligence gathering, crisis management, and human rights compliance to ensure professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
CP Bosso noted that the establishment of the VCRU reflects the Command’s commitment to effective policing, public safety, and improved service delivery to residents of Imo State.
As part of measures aimed at strengthening public confidence and accountability, the Command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board made up of representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The board is expected to monitor the activities of the unit, receive public complaints, and provide independent feedback to the Police Command.
The event attracted top government officials, heads of security agencies, members of the Police Community Relations Committee, youth organisations, and human rights groups.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Chief Principal Security Officer, ACP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s continued support for security agencies in combating insecurity across the state.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of the VCRU logo, presentation of its operational dress code, and goodwill messages from stakeholders, while residents were encouraged to support security agencies with credible information to enhance crime-fighting efforts in the state.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO/AMNIPR 14/05/2026
