Police Brutality: Imo CP defends Establishment Of Tiger Base

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki, has come out in defense of the controversial Police Tiger Base Unit, amid mounting public criticism over alleged human rights violations.



Despite the outcry, Aboki maintains that the unit has made significant strides in tackling security challenges in the state.


Aboki attributed the reduction in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Imo to the proactive efforts of the Tiger Base Unit.



While acknowledging some shortcomings, he emphasized that the Unit’s overall impact has been positive, and disbanding it would be counterproductive to the state’s security interests.


“The Tiger base is a creation of circumstances, and I quite appreciate them for the good job they are doing. It is a team that makes us safe, but also, I want to acknowledge some of their shortcomings because they are human beings and are not infallible.”


Speaking at a 2-day ‘Citizens’ engagement on Police Reform in Nigeria,’ organized by the CLEEN Foundation, yesterday,  in Owerri, Aboki emphasized that the Unit’s proactive operations have significantly reduced kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, violent abductions, and other related vices to their lowest level.



He cautioned the public against calling for the Unit’s disbandment, saying, “The security challenges in the state would have acquired a much more dangerous dimension but for the proactive consistent operation of the Unit.”


Regarding public outcry over alleged police brutality, violation of fundamental human rights, and extortion, Aboki assured that disciplinary units have been established to try erring police officers.

.
He also mentioned a ‘Complaint Response Unit’ that entertains complaints from aggrieved members of the public.


Represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Edwin Mkpah, Aboki said, “Police is a product of the society, and we Nigerians and the government should be honest to ourselves because when we open up and tell ourselves the truth, the reform will start.”