TIGER BASE: Situating the narratives
To hear his critics, one would think CSP Odeyeyiwa is a tyrant. But those who have worked with him and those he has protected, speak of a man known for gallantry, professionalism, and humility. In recognition of his work, he was awarded Nigeria’s Best Crime Buster in both 2023 and 2024 by the Nigeria Police Force—a rare double honor not earned by lobbying, but by merit.
In recent times, there has been a sustained campaign of calumny against the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, popularly known as Tiger Base. Individuals behind these campaigns have utilized various platforms to demand the disbandment of the unit, while also calling for the prosecution of its head and operatives over allegations of unprofessional conduct.
This writer does not intend to exonerate the Tiger Base Unit, the Imo State Police Command, or the Nigeria Police Force from all forms of professional misconduct or corrupt practices. However, it has become increasingly important to undertake an honest and contextual analysis of this unit, especially as it relates to its strategic importance in the security architecture of our state.
It is necessary to caution against the exaggeration of issues without appreciating the negative effects of those Narratives to the larger society . We must act in truth and champion just causes with sincerity. Imo people should not be misled by entirely negative narratives designed to paint Tiger Base in a negative light for ulterior motives.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with holding security agencies accountable. In fact, it is necessary in any democracy. But such efforts must be guided by facts, good faith, and genuine commitment to justice, and not blackmail, selective outrage, or propaganda masquerading as advocacy. Imo people are discerning; we can recognize issues.
Given the achievements of the Tiger Base Unit, particularly in combating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes, it would be disingenuous to say that those calling for its disbandment have exhausted channels of communication or have deliberately contributed to policing the society
Yes, like any institution, the unit is not without its flaws. There may exist erring or unprofessional officers—just as there are in every sector of our national life. But the solution,.in my own thinking must be reform, reorientation, and due process, not the destruction of one of the state’s most effective security structures. Imo cannot afford to discard a functioning unit in the face of rising security threats.
Let us not forget the aftermath of the Owerri Correctional Center attack, which saw dangerous criminals unleashed into society. Nor should we forget the dark period when insecurity overwhelmed our state when “unknown gunmen” roamed freely, attacking security personnel, shutting down markets, schools, hospitals, banks, and even religious institutions. During those harrowing times, the Tiger Base Unit, under the leadership of CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, stepped into the gap and became a symbol of resistance, risking their lives to restore order and protect our people.
Now, the very unit that helped stabilize the situation is being vilified, and its leader targeted with vicious media campaigns.
To hear his critics, one would think CSP Odeyeyiwa is a tyrant. But those who have worked with him and those he has protected, speak of a man known for gallantry, professionalism, and humility. In recognition of his work, he was awarded Nigeria’s Best Crime Buster in both 2023 and 2024 by the Nigeria Police Force—a rare double honor not earned by lobbying, but by merit.
At the national commendation ceremony in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated that none of the awardees applied for recognition. They were selected based on their courage, ethics, and unwavering dedication to duty.
That CSP Odeyeyiwa emerged from among thousands of officers nationwide is not just a feather in his cap, but a testament to the caliber of leadership within Tiger Base.
If there are legitimate concerns, the proper course of action is supervision, oversight, or restructuring, not disbandment. And if there is cause for prosecution, let it be carried out through due process, not media trials or politically motivated witch-hunts.
As a journalist who has covered Imo State for almost two decades, I can say with confidence that there are many positives coming from the Nigeria Police and other sister security agencies that deserve recognition and encouragement, not wholesale condemnation. These agencies, especially in a state like Imo with its unique security challenges, deserve collaboration, not constant antagonism.
It is also important that the citizens, civil society organizations and humanitarian agencies collaborate with the police in the discharge of their duties. Constructive engagement is far more effective than cynical attacks. After all, we cannot do without law enforcement. These men and women wake up daily to risk their lives for ours. Many have paid the ultimate price.
Citizens must hold security agencies accountable but we must also support and defend the ones who defend us. If we continually demoralize the institutions that protect us, we risk becoming vulnerable to the very criminals we fear. We must support reform, not sack.
The future of Imo’s security lies in balance, truth, and shared responsibility. Any action taken regarding Tiger Base should serve the collective interest of Imo people not the machinations or ego battles of a few. Anything less is a disservice to our state
Let us not tear down what has protected us.
Collins Osuji, a journalist, writes from Owerri
