Abia State Police Command has created a special unit known as Tactical Response Squad dedicated to combating heinous crimes, especially kidnapping.

Abia State Police Commissioner, Leye Oyebade, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Umuahia, Monday said that Aba and Umuahia would be the operational bases of the special squad.

Oyebade said members of the squad would be exposed to a two-week training on arms handling and combat training to be properly equipped for the great task ahead.

The Commissioner said that the proposal has received the blessing of the state government, with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu promising to assist with provision of logistics.

“The Tactical Response Squad will commence operations in two weeks time after training. It will be combating heinous crimes, especially kidnapping,” Oyebade said.

He also disclosed that the Security Council of the state has approved that any whistleblower who gives information that leads to arrest of notorious criminals would be rewarded with N1 million.

He, therefore, requested the public to furnish the Command with reliable information to enable it to combat heinous crimes, adding that crimes come in all forms and must be tackled in all ramifications.

He called for proper screening of domestic staff before recruitment, disclosing that investigations have shown that domestic aides divulge important pieces of information about their principal to kidnappers.

Oyebade also said that normalcy has returned to Ogboko Ozuitem in Bende Local Government Area of the state where there was a clash between farmers and herdsmen.

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