The Imo State Police Command has officially dissolved the Tiger Base Unit, a well-known tactical squad, along with other units such as the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad. In their place, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has been established to enhance the command’s ability to tackle violent crimes effectively.
State Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso unveiled the VCRU at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, stating that the move aligns with the Inspector-General of Police Olatunj Rilwalu Disu’s directive to strengthen operational capacity and response to violent crimes nationwide. Bosso explained that forming the VCRU became essential following the disbandment of earlier tactical units with animal symbols, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit referred to as Tiger Base.
The VCRU reflects ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at enhancing professionalism, accountability, and service delivery. After inspecting the new squad alongside other security heads and stakeholders, Bosso emphasized that the unit underscores the command’s dedication to professional policing and public safety across the state.
Personnel for the VCRU were chosen based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience. They have undergone rigorous specialized training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance, and professional conduct to ensure lawful and effective service delivery.
To promote transparency and accountability, the command also inaugurated the Civilian Oversight Board (COB), which will monitor the VCRU’s operations and channel public complaints to the Police Commissioner. State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by his Chief Principal Security Officer Gboyako Shaba Adamu, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s continued support for security agencies in maintaining law and order.
The event was attended by top government officials, security heads, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and others. Highlights included the unveiling of the VCRU logo and operational dress code, with the command urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support the unit.
According to command spokesperson Henry Okoye, the VCRU is tasked with proactively combating violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms through intelligence-led policing and rapid response operations. The unit will also strengthen collaboration with communities and sister security agencies. The command reiterated its commitment to professional policing, protecting lives and property, and ensuring sustained peace and security across the state.
Stakeholders at the event advised the newly formed unit to operate with a human face and avoid actions that could bring it into disrepute.