Police Probe Operatives Over Alleged Misconduct

The Imo State Police Command says its operatives attached to the Tiger Base Unit are currently under investigation for alleged unprofessional behaviour.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, made the disclosure yesterday during a phone-in programme, “Peoples Assembly”, on Hot FM in Owerri, the state capital.

Okoye said the Reform Committee of the Nigerian Police Force is investigating the operatives attached to the Tiger Base in the command.

He explained that following the calls for the disbandment of the unit across social media platforms, the inspector-general of police set up the investigation unit to ascertain the claims and punish the offenders.

Okoye said, “The inspector-general of police has ordered investigation of Tiger Base Unit by the Force Reform Committee to verify the allegations.

“We appeal to people to come forward with their complaints formally so that the offenders will be sanctioned.

“I have seen complaints on social media of alleged torture, extortion by operatives and organ harvesting but it’s important that those complaints are documented. So, if you know any officer involved, kindly report such officers to my office or the Office of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma for disciplinary action,” he said.

According to him, Tiger Base was just an operational call sign for the anti-kidnapping unit, set to counter kidnapping, robbery, armed robbery, and other heinous crimes.

He said all identified bad eggs in the command will be made to face disciplinary action and where found culpable, will be dismissed.

Okoye admitted that he received over 200 phone calls daily from Imo residents to complain about violations by Police operatives.

He however called on residents to report violations to unit heads, area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical unit heads, and other supervisors.

Meanwhile, the Police spokesperson has assured travellers of safety along Imo State highways saying that the Owerri-Aba Expressway is now the safest as the command had deployed several operatives to ensure safety.

Okoye said “as it is now, the Owerri-Aba Expressway is the safest route in the State as the command has deployed several operatives to the road. There are lots of tactical units and checkpoints there and on all other roads. Our officers have been warned to be professional so there is nothing to worry about,” he said.