The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Bosso, has officially dissolved the controversial Anti-Kidnapping Unit popularly known as Tiger Base, alongside the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad, replacing them with a newly established tactical outfit named the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The move follows years of public criticism and allegations of human rights abuses associated with Tiger Base operations. Although the unit was initially created to combat kidnapping and violent crimes, several reports, including findings by Amnesty International, accused some operatives of intimidation, misconduct, and abuse of power.
Speaking during the official unveiling ceremony held on Wednesday in Owerri, CP Bosso explained that the restructuring was aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening the fight against violent crimes across the state.
According to him, the reform aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
The newly established VCRU has been tasked with combating armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cult-related violence, illegal possession of firearms, and other serious criminal activities through intelligence-driven policing and rapid response operations.
CP Bosso further disclosed that officers selected into the unit underwent intensive professional training focused on tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance, and ethical conduct.
In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the police commissioner also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board for the VCRU. The board includes representatives from religious organizations, traditional institutions, civil society groups, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The oversight board is expected to monitor the activities of the new tactical unit, receive complaints and feedback from members of the public, and help rebuild trust between residents and the police command.
The unveiling ceremony featured the presentation of the unit’s official logo, operational uniforms, goodwill messages from stakeholders, and other ceremonial displays.
CP Bosso urged residents of Imo State to remain law-abiding and continue supporting security agencies with useful and timely information that could assist in tackling criminal activities across the state.
Reporting by Face to Face TV.
