….unveils new Violent Crime Response Unit
Police authorities Imo State have disbanded the dreaded tactical units with animal call signs and launched a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in a move aimed at improving professionalism and public trust.
The VCRU was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Owerri.
The launch follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu Rilwanu, to strengthen operational capacity and response to violent crimes across the state.
As part of the reform, the command scrapped units including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base, alongside the Scorpion Unit and Lion Squad.
At the launch, the State Commissioner of Police, Garba Bosso, said the change is meant to deepen accountability and move away from practices associated with those formations.
He explained that the VCRU is mandated to tackle armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other serious felonies.
According to the command, operations will rely on intelligence-led policing, rapid response and closer collaboration with communities and other security agencies.
Bosso further said that the personnel for the unit were selected based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience. He noted that officers underwent specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis management, human rights compliance and professional conduct.
In a bid to boost transparency, the command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board for the VCRU. The board includes representatives of religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigeria Union of Journalists. It will receive public feedback and monitor operations to strengthen accountability.
The event drew top government officials, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, the PCRC, NBA, NUJ, National Human Rights Commission and the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
Representing Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chief Principal Security Officer CSP Gboyako Shaba Adamu commended the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s support for security agencies.
The launch featured the unveiling of the VCRU logo and operational dress code. The command urged residents to support the unit with timely, credible information and to remain law-abiding.
The spokesman of the command, DSP Henry Okoye said the command remains committed to professional policing, protection of lives and property and sustained peace across Imo State.
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