The Imo State Police Command says it has formally disbanded the controversial Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, along with other tactical squads with similar identities, and has replaced them with a newly created unit called the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU.
The Imo state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, announced this at the Police Command Headquarters in the state capital, Owerri, saying other tactical formations affected by the disbandment include the Scorpion Unit and the Lion Squad, whose operations were closely linked to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The CP says the reform is in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to reposition tactical operations nationwide and strengthen professionalism within the Force.
Bosso also said the newly established VCRU will focus on intelligence-driven operations against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.