By A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit popularly called Tiger base in Imo state which has been at the center of criticism by some human rights activists and disgruntled individuals is turning out to be carrying out a quiet revolution in the state. The revolution is unfolding in a state long haunted by the shadows of criminal syndicates, banditry, and public mistrust in law enforcement.

Since assuming command of the base, CSP Ola Odeyeyiwa and his team have defied cynics with a resolute campaign to clamp down on organized crime, and rebuild public confidence. This is contrary to skepticism and complaints about human rights abuses and impunity credited to the unit. They have delivered a string of operational successes that are not only remarkable but also deeply reassuring to the people of Imo State.

Crushing kidnap syndicates and saving lives

One of the standout moments of the unit came on June 21, 2025, following the abduction of Mr. Anayo Iwuoha from his Akabo residence in Ikeduru Local Government Area. Acting on sophisticated intelligence, operatives tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Ochii Ogwa, Mbaitolu LGA. In a daring raid, they rescued the victim unharmed and arrested two notorious kingpins; Uche Nwachukwu and Chinonso Ozuruigbo, recovering an arsenal of weapons including a pump-action gun, live cartridges, an improvised explosive, and even the chains used to restrain the victim.

This operation was more than just a rescue; it was a public declaration that kidnappers will find no haven in Imo State.

Decimating IPOB/ESN Terror Cells

Between October 19 and 23, 2024, the anti-kidnapping unit, delivered hammer blows to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB/Eastern Security Network (ESN) militant camps in Oru-East and Oru-West LGAs. Acting on credible intelligence, they raided terrorist hideouts, arrested over 20 suspects, and recovered a cache of deadly weapons, explosives, and criminal paraphernalia. The crackdown led to the dismantling of several camps and neutralization of major threats posed by the group. Recovered weapons included five pump-action guns, locally made firearms, grenades, and 60 live cartridges, underscoring the level of threat these groups posed to national security.

Preemptive Operations and Proactive Policing

Based on stern directives from the state police boss, Aboki Danjuma, the anti-kidnapping unit shifted from reactive to proactive policing. On August 21, 2024, operatives rescued a kidnapped woman from Obinze Forest, arrested five suspects, and recovered deadly weapons, including a pump-action gun and battle daggers. Similar intelligence-driven operations on October 11, 2024, led to the bust of a syndicate responsible for both kidnappings and armed robberies in Mbaise. Suspects were not only arrested but were also made to identify vehicle receivers in an elaborate criminal network. Recovered vehicles and confessions pointed to deep coordination, now dismantled.

Changing the Narrative

Operating with an operational philosophy based on visibility, credibility, and results, the unit displayed an unrivalled inter-agency synergy, tactical intelligence gathering, and swift response thereby flipping the security script in Imo. Despite criticism, they are succeeding in prioritizing public safety aimed at making the state a secured one.

A traditional ruler in the state, Eze Fabian Nworgu stated that those that criticize their activities are mainly politicians who use criminals to cause mayhem in the state. According the 70-year-old ruler, since they mapped out the Tiger base from the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, many of us are heaving a sigh of relief. Though we are aware that the criticism about the unit is mainly based on their commendable efforts at fighting criminal activities of kidnappers and other crimes in the state, they should be encouraged to continue fighting for us all and not be deterred by onslaughts from people with selfish personal interests.

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