Nigerian Observatory For Human Rights

The Imo State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has disbanded the Tiger Base anti-kidnapping unit, along with the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad, replacing them with a new outfit called the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso unveiled the new unit Wednesday in Owerri, saying the restructuring was aimed at strengthening operational capacity and improving responses to violent crimes , in line with directives from Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu.

The VCRU is mandated to tackle armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, unlawful possession of fi****ms, and other serious offences through intelligence-led policing and rapid-response operations, Bosso said. He described the unit's personnel as "carefully selected based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience," adding that they had undergone specialised training in tactical operations, human rights compliance, and professional conduct.

Bosso also inaugurated a civilian oversight board for the VCRU, tasked with receiving public feedback, providing oversight functions, and boosting public confidence through transparency and accountability.

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Nigerian Police Disband Tiger Base, Launch New Unit Amid Abuse Allegations - Nigerian Observatory For Human Rights Critics warn reform mirrors SARS disbandment — same officers, different name The Imo State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has disbanded the Tiger Base anti-kidnapping unit, along with the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad, replacing them with a new outfit called the Violent Crime Response Unit (V...