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‎By: Austin Okoro – Owerri.

‎The Imo State Police Command has disbanded Tiger Base, a notoious squad in the state and launched a new unit known as Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

‎The unit was launched on the 13th of May 2026 at the command’s headquarters, Owerri by the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu Rilwanu, psc(+), aimed at strengthening operational capacity and response to violent crimes across the State and beyond.

‎”The establishment of the VCRU follows the disbandment of former tactical units with animalistic call signs, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit popularly known as Tiger Base, Scorpion Unit, and Lion Squad, in line with ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at deepening professionalism, accountability, and improved service delivery”, the CP noted.

‎The event attracted 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 key stakeholders in the security architecture of the State.

‎The newly constituted Unit is mandated to proactively tackle violent crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and other serious felonious offences through intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations, and strengthened collaboration with communities and sister security agencies.

‎Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba BOSSO stated that the inauguration of the VCRU underscores the Command’s commitment to consolidating professional policing standards while improving public safety and security across Imo State.

‎The CP disclosed that personnel of the Unit were carefully selected based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience. He added that they have undergone rigorous specialized training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance, and professional conduct to ensure effective and lawful service delivery.

‎The Commissioner of Police also inaugurated the Civilian Oversight Board for the VCRU, comprising representatives of religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The Board is mandated to receive and channel public feedback to the Commissioner of Police, provide oversight functions, and strengthen public confidence in police operations through transparency and accountability.

‎His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, represented at the event 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 maintaining peace, law, and order across Imo State.

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