Police rejig tactical operations against insecurity in Abia, Rivers 

In line with the vision and directives of Tunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) aimed at ensuring a Police Force that is professional, humane, accountable and effective, the Abia State Police Command has undertaken strategic reforms of the Command tactical teams.

This is as the Rivers State Police Command also disbanded all tactical teams and set up the Violent Crime Response Unit.

Danladi Isa, Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, in consonance with the order, dissolved all the tactical teams within the Command and inaugurated a new set of officers carefully screened by the management team.

The Command in a statement signed by Maureen Chinaka, Deputy Supersintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer, said that the officers had undergone a comprehensive orientation programme aimed at a high degree of professionalism.

According to the statement, the Unit is headed by Emeka Amanchukwu, a chief superintendent of Police, and seasoned officer with over 15 years of service experience.

The VCRU is tasked with the handling of violent crimes across the state and will also be supported by a Civilian Oversight Board, comprising representatives from the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, human rights groups, the Nigerian Bar Association and Amnesty International, among others.

The Command has provided a befitting operational facility for the Unit, strategically located at Orji Uzor Kalu Bridge, Aba. The facility has met the required standards, including proper detention conditions that respect the rights of suspects, with a liaison office in Umuahia to enhance coordination.

“Today, April 21, 2026, marks the conclusion of the orientation exercise for the screened officers. The Commissioner of Police and his management team delivered lectures emphasizing professionalism and zero tolerance for corruption. Officers were urged to shun all forms of impunity, extortion, involvement in civil matters and cases outside the Unit’s mandate. They were also cautioned against unlawful detention and arrests by proxy.”

The CP stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing and mandated that response time to violent crimes must not exceed five (5) minutes.

He further emphasized the protection of suspects’ rights during investigations, regular briefing and proper supervision of subordinates to avoid vicarious liability.

He encouraged officers to continually study the Police Act 2020 (as amended), the Constitution and the Criminal Code, as applicable.

He also urged them to be exemplary in conduct and to project a positive image for the force, through professionalism, accountability and effective service delivery.

The Command, expressed commitment to entrenching professionalism, through proactive and intelligence-led policing, accountability, while collaborating with members of the public to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command also announced the dissolution of all tactical teams in line with ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, professionalism, and public confidence in policing.

The Command said in a statement by Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the PPRO, that the action was in strict compliance with the directive of the IGP, and it is being implemented under the leadership of Olugbenga Adepoju, Rivers State Commissioner of Police.

She said all the tactical teams had been dissolved into the consolidated VCRU and warned “against extortion, abuse of office, and all forms of unprofessional conduct. Officers are reminded that any violation of the Nigeria Police Force Code of Conduct and professional ethics will attract strict disciplinary action.”