Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has unveiled a new tactical team, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following the disbandment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, as well as the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad.
The development follows sustained calls for the scrapping of Tiger Base over allegations of abuse and misconduct by some officers attached to the unit.
Tiger Base was originally created to investigate and combat kidnapping-related offences in the state. However, Amnesty International had, in a report, accused the unit of deviating from its mandate and becoming notorious for systemic abuse.
Speaking in Owerri on Wednesday during the unveiling of the new unit, Bosso said the restructuring was aimed at strengthening the command’s operational capacity and improving its response to violent crimes, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
According to him, the newly established VCRU is mandated to proactively tackle violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other serious offences.
He said the unit would operate through intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations and stronger collaboration with communities and sister security agencies.
Bosso explained that the creation of the VCRU underscores the command’s commitment to professional policing, improved public safety and respect for human rights.
“The personnel of the unit were carefully selected based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience,” the commissioner said.
He added that members of the unit had undergone specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance and professional conduct to ensure effective and lawful service delivery.
As part of efforts to build public trust, Bosso also inaugurated a civilian oversight board for the VCRU.
The board comprises representatives of religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
According to the police commissioner, the board will receive and channel public feedback to his office, provide oversight functions and promote transparency and accountability in police operations.
The event featured the official unveiling of the VCRU logo and operational dress code, goodwill messages from stakeholders and other ceremonial activities.
Bosso urged residents of Imo State to support the new unit with timely and credible information while remaining vigilant and law-abiding.
