Imo Police Disband Tiger Base, Launch VCRU

The Imo State Police Command has officially announced the dissolution of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, commonly referred to as the Tiger Base.

Additionally, other tactical units, namely the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad, have been disbanded.

In their place, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) was formally launched on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

This initiative aligns with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at enhancing operational capacity and responses to violent crimes both within the state and beyond.

The launch event was attended by a variety of distinguished guests, including top government officials, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and other significant stakeholders in the state’s security framework.

The newly established Unit is tasked with proactively addressing violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and other serious offenses through intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations, and enhanced collaboration with communities and other security agencies.

During the event, the Commissioner of Police for the Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba BOSSO, emphasized that the inauguration of the VCRU reflects the Command’s dedication to upholding professional policing standards while improving public safety and security throughout Imo State.

He revealed that the Unit’s personnel were meticulously selected based on their competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience.

Furthermore, they have undergone comprehensive specialized training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance, and professional conduct to ensure effective and lawful service delivery.

The Commissioner also established the Civilian Oversight Board for the VCRU, which includes representatives from religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

This Board is tasked with receiving and relaying public feedback to the Commissioner of Police, providing oversight functions, and bolstering public confidence in police operations through transparency and accountability.

His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented at the event by the Chief Principal Security Officer, ACP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the State Government’s ongoing support for security agencies in maintaining peace, law, and order across Imo State.

The launch included the official unveiling of the VCRU logo and operational dress code, as well as goodwill messages from stakeholders and other ceremonial activities. The Command encourages residents to support the Unit with timely and credible information while remaining vigilant and law-abiding.

The Imo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to professional policing, the protection of lives and property, and the sustained peace and security of the State.