The Nigeria Police Force in Imo State has disbanded the controversial anti-kidnapping unit known as Tiger Base and unveiled a new tactical outfit named the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, announced the development on Wednesday during the official launch of the new unit in Owerri, the state capital.
Bosso disclosed that the police command also scrapped the Scorpion Unit and the Lion Squad as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and restoring public confidence in policing across the state.
Tiger Base had faced sustained criticism in recent years over allegations of torture, unlawful detention and other human rights violations allegedly committed by officers attached to the anti-kidnapping squad.
The unit, originally established to investigate and combat kidnapping-related crimes, was accused by Amnesty International of deviating from its mandate and becoming associated with systemic abuse and misconduct.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Bosso stated that the changes were in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and designed to improve responses to violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations.
According to the police commissioner, the newly constituted VCRU is mandated to tackle offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes through rapid response strategies and collaboration with communities and sister security agencies.
He explained that personnel assigned to the unit were carefully selected based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience.
Bosso added that the officers had undergone specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance and professional conduct to ensure lawful and effective service delivery.
The commissioner also inaugurated a civilian oversight board for the VCRU comprising representatives of religious bodies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
According to him, the board will receive public complaints and feedback, provide oversight functions and help strengthen transparency and accountability in police operations.
The unveiling ceremony featured the presentation of the VCRU logo, operational dress code and goodwill messages from stakeholders.
Bosso urged residents of the state to support the police with timely and credible information while remaining vigilant and law-abiding.
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