Imo State security efforts get boost as Oodua group passes vote of confidence

Stanley Ihedigbo

Amid ongoing security concerns, the Oodua Youth Parliament (OYP) has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Imo State Police Command, appealing to residents to partner with law enforcement by sharing credible intelligence as part of a collective effort to safeguard lives and property.

The OYP made the appeal in a statement issued by the Parliament, signed by its Speaker, Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi, and made available to journalists.

The Parliament stated that the Imo State Police Command has come under heightened public attention following intensified operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

OYP noted that the renewed security drive follows a series of intelligence-driven operations overseen by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma.

According to the statement, police operations have been intensified, with particular focus on the activities of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa.

The Parliament observed that, in recent months, the Imo State Police Command has recorded notable operational successes, including the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and armed criminals.

It added that security operatives also recovered firearms such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns and ammunition, and rescued kidnap victims in different parts of the state.

According to OYP, these operations have disrupted criminal networks operating along major highways and in rural communities, particularly in Owerri West, Ngor-Okpala, the Orlu axis, and parts of Okigwe—areas that had previously experienced repeated incidents of abduction and violent crime.

The Parliament acknowledged that ACP Adeyeyiwa has been credited by police leadership with coordinating high-risk raids, rescue missions and manhunts for fleeing suspects, often in collaboration with other security agencies and local intelligence sources.

However, OYP noted that the intensified security operations have also generated public debate, following allegations circulating on social media accusing some operatives of human rights abuses.

According to the Parliament, such concerns underscore the importance of balancing aggressive crime-fighting with strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The Parliament welcomed the decision of the Commissioner of Police to establish a Human Rights Desk within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, describing it as a proactive step aimed at strengthening accountability, safeguarding suspects’ rights and aligning police operations with constitutional provisions.

OYP further noted that investigations into suspected kidnappers’ hideouts recently uncovered in parts of Owerri West Local Government Area led to the recovery of a decomposed body believed to be that of an abducted victim, a development that highlights the complexity and risks involved in combating organised crime.

The Parliament also acknowledged the recent promotion of ACP Adeyeyiwa, describing the elevation as recognition of his operational performance and commitment to tackling violent crime.

OYP called for sustained transparency, independent oversight and continuous engagement with civil society to ensure that security operations continue to enjoy public confidence.

The group commended the efforts of the Imo State Police Command in curbing kidnapping and restoring public safety.

“The fight against kidnapping and violent crime must be firm, lawful and people-centred. Security and accountability must go hand in hand,” the statement concluded.