RULAAC warns against recycling abusive police officers in new Violent Crime Response Unit
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for establishing the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) across the country, describing it as a “welcome and necessary step.”
In an open letter dated April 24, 2026, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Executive Director of RULAAC Okechukwu Nwanguma, praised the directive establishing the VCRU in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, but warned against recycling officers from tactical units with abusive reputations. He also warned that the VCRU must be shielded from political interference.
“This initiative — aimed at improving operational efficiency, professionalism, and accountability in responding to violent crimes — is a welcome and necessary step,” Nwanguma wrote.
The letter noted that the creation of the new unit appears to respond to widespread public outcry and media exposés regarding alleged atrocities by certain existing tactical units, particularly the notorious Anti-Kidnapping Unit known as “Tiger Base” in Owerri, Imo State.
Nwanguma stated that dissolving fragmented and abusive formations and replacing them with a more structured unit aligns with the urgent need to restore public trust in policing.
However, he warned that the success of the VCRU would hinge not on its name or structure, but on the quality of its personnel and adherence to the rule of law.
“The success or failure of the VCRU will depend not on its name or structure, but on the integrity of its personnel and the fidelity of its operational culture to the rule of law and human rights standards,” he emphasised.
Nwanguma urged that no operatives from disbanded tactical units with records or allegations of human rights abuses should be absorbed into the VCRU.
“Recycling personnel from discredited units into a rebranded structure would defeat the very purpose of the reform and reinforce public skepticism about the sincerity of institutional change,” he said.
Regarding Tiger Base in Owerri, which has faced numerous documented allegations of torture, Nwanguma called for the exclusion of its commander known as “Ola,” and his operatives from the new unit. He demanded an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation.
“Accountability is essential — not only to provide justice for victims but also to signal a clear break from a culture of impunity,” the letter stated.
Nwanguma expressed concerns about undue external influence over tactical operations in Imo State, particularly the role of the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, widely known as “Shaba.” He insisted that the VCRU must remain insulated from political interference, with the Commissioner of Police retaining full supervisory authority.
He called for strict adherence to police regulations on the leadership of tactical units, which should be headed by officers not above the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to ensure proper oversight.
Nwanguma said that the VCRU presents an opportunity to reset policing standards in Nigeria, but cautioned that without deliberate safeguards, the reform risks becoming another cosmetic rebranding exercise.
“The Nigerian public, victims of past abuses, and serving officers who remain committed to professionalism are watching closely. They deserve a policing system that is accountable, rights-respecting, and worthy of public trust,” he wrote.
