By Peter Okolie
The Imo Police Command, on Wednesday, inaugurated a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen its fight against armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes in the state.
In a speech at the event, Gov. Hope Uzodimma advocated for rights-based policing.
Uzodimma, who was represented by his Chief Principal Security Officer, ACP Adamu Shaba, emphasised that development would be impossible without peace.
He said that “security remains the foundation upon which development stands” for any thriving society.
He condemned the acts of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism in the state, describing criminals as “enemies of peace”.
Uzodimma vowed that those taking up arms against innocent citizens would be firmly dealt with.
However, he warned that enforcement must not bypass justice, arguing that democracy is measured by its “respect for justice and human dignity” during law enforcement operations.
He advocated a shift towards “intelligence-driven” policing, saying, “this approach focuses on lawful arrest procedures and evidence-based prosecution to ensure that only the guilty faced the law”.
Referencing the 1999 Constitution, the governor reminded officers that every Nigerian possesses a “right to life”.
He, therefore, advocated that the use of force must always be reasonable.
“Detention without lawful justification is illegal,” Uzodimma said, citing Section 35 of the Constitution.
He insisted that all arrested suspects be brought before a court within reasonable time frame.
He criticised the use of torture and degrading treatment during investigations, saying that professional policing required “respect for human dignity at all times” to maintain public trust.
He warned that any officer found engaging in extortion, corruption, or abuse of authority would face strict disciplinary action under the Nigeria Police Act and relevant laws.
To bolster security in the state, the governor pledged continued support for the Army, Police, and DSS.
He urged communities to collaborate in the fight against insecurity by reporting suspicious movements.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said, while calling for synergy between vigilance groups, traditional rulers, and formal security agencies.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Bosso, said the initiative aligned with the “strategic vision and directive” of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, to enhance public safety across the country.
“The VCRU is designed to respond to security challenges with speed, precision, and professionalism, while maintaining the highest standards of the rule of law and human rights.
“The unit has a zero tolerance for corruption and will strictly refrain from meddling in civil matters unless they escalate into violent criminality,” Bosso said.
The command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board to ensure transparency during operations.
“This body of credible stakeholders will independently monitor the unit’s activities to promote public trust and accountability,” Bosso said.
The police boss said that all the VCRU operatives completed “extensive three-day rigorous training.
“They will be properly kitted in approved uniforms to prevent cases of abuse or impersonation,” he said.
Bosso charged the operatives to reflect the “core values of the Nigeria Police Force” and inspire confidence among the citizenry.
The commissioner expressed gratitude to the governor, saying that his “unwavering support has been instrumental to advancing critical policing initiatives within the state and the federation”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new police unit replaces the Anti-Kidnapping unit, popularly called “Tiger Base”, which was disbanded, following rising public complaints against its alleged excesses. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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