CITIZENS COMPASS— The Oodua Youth Parliament(OYP) on Tuesday, passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Imo State Police Command and urged residents to cooperate with the agency by providing credible intelligence, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.
OYP made the appeal in a statement issued by the Parliament and signed by Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi, Speaker, Oodua Youth Parliament and made available to newsmen
The group said that the Imo State Police Command has come under heightened public attention amid intensified operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The group noted that the renewed security focus follows a series of intelligence-driven operations overseen by the Commissioner of Police,(CP) Aboki Danjuma.
The Police intensify their operation with particular attention on the activities of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa, Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The Parliament observed that the Imo State Police Command has in recent months recorded notable operational outcomes, including the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and armed criminals.
It added that they also recovered firearms such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns and ammunition, as well as the rescue of kidnapping 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, Orlu axis and parts of Okigwe, areas that had experienced repeated incidents of abduction and violent crime.
The Parliament acknowledged that ACP Adeyeyiwa, has been credited by the 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, the Group 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 establishing 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.
It noted that the investigations into suspected kidnappers’ hideouts recently uncovered in parts of Owerri West Local Government Area, where a decomposed body believed to be that of an abducted victim was recovered in a development highlighting the complexity and risks involved in combating organised crime.
The Parliament further 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.
They commended the efforts of the Imo State Police Command effort on curbing kidnapping and restore 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.
