By Chuks Nwokeji
The Tiger Base Police Unit in Imo State has been in the news for many ugly encounters with residents. Numerous reports have been unfavorable to the image of the police Stat.
The head of the Tiger Base Police Unit in Owerri is ACP Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa. He was recently promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for his outstanding work in combating kidnapping and other crimes in Imo State.
One may ask, can anything good come out of it? The answer is yes, something good can come out of Tiger Base.
The case of Mrs. Ogechi Henrietta Amuchienwa, is a good example. She was a victim of conspiracy and intimidation by Chinyere Igwebe, the duly devoiced wife of her late husband, Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa.
Chinyere Igwebe had tried to stop the burial of Ifeanyichukwu Donatus Amuchienwa, framing up excuses and allegations to cause confusion and trouble.
The widow and her family members were arrested and taken to Tiger Base, when Chinyere perceived that the mischievous suit she filled to stop the burial will hit the rocks, but the head of the unit, Ola, did the right thing by releasing them and allowing them to bury their dead. In total disregard to all the frivolous contents of their petition.
Ola also provided security to escort them home, as there were hints of another set of police officers planning to rearrest them.
The unit has also been instrumental in rescuing kidnapped victims and dismantling criminal syndicates. In October 2024, Tiger Base operatives collaborated with military personnel to smash a kidnappers' den, killing one suspect and rescuing four victims.
However, allegations of human rights abuses, including torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings, have been reported. These concerns have heightened public agitation against the unit.
The police authority should look into these reports and reform the Tiger Base unit. The goal should be to ensure that Tiger Base operates within the bounds of the law and respects human rights.
The unit has records of good works, and it's not wrong to acknowledge its efforts in combating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other social vices.
Reforms and accountability measures can help rebuild public trust in law enforcement agencies and promote a culture of respect for human rights.
The Imo State Police Command should take steps to address the allegations and ensure that the unit serves the people with justice, it can be a force for good works if police authority reforms it and supports it to operates with transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights. fairness,
The case of Mrs. Ogechi Henrietta Amuchienwa shows that something good can come out of Tiger Base, but more needs to be done to address the concerns of the public.
The police authority should put the process of reform in progress and continue to monitor progress and advocate for change, ensuring that Tiger Base serves the people with accountability and justice.
The people of Imo State deserve to have a police unit that serves them with fairness and respect, and it's up to the authorities to ensure that this happens.
In conclusion, something good can come out of Tiger Base, the case of Ogechi Amuchienwa and other good stories are good example, that tiger Base also operates with transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Chuks Nwokeji, is Imo State Chairman, Imo State Guild of Newspaper Reporters