Officers posed as Tiger Base operatives, robbed residents at gunpoint in Owerri; civilian accomplice also charged

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed three serving officers after they were found guilty of armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft, and impersonation.

The dismissed officers are Sgt. Ekwueme Gift, Sgt. Eto Ikechukwu, and Cpl. Divine Ogwuaru. Their removal followed an orderly room trial that established their direct involvement in the crimes.

According to police sources, the incident occurred on February 8, 2026, along Mbaise Road in Owerri, where the officers allegedly robbed residents at gunpoint and forcefully stole a vehicle. Investigations revealed that the suspects were not officially assigned to patrol duties on that day. Instead, they falsely claimed to be operatives of the Tiger Base Unit while carrying out the crime.

A civilian accomplice, Elias Chukwu, who reportedly served as the driver during the operation, has also been charged alongside the dismissed officers.

The stolen vehicle was later tracked to the Owerri–Onitsha Road, where the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to dispose of it.

The Police Command said the actions of the officers violated Paragraph E (i) and (iii) of the First Schedule of the Police Act and Regulation 370, offences punishable under Regulation 371 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 (as amended).

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Bosso, described the dismissal as a clear message that corruption and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated within the Command.

“It will no longer be business as usual for officers who misbehave. Any officer found guilty of misconduct or criminal activity will face the full force of the law,” Bosso said.

He directed the Command’s Legal Department to ensure the suspects are promptly charged to court and urged members of the public to support efforts to rid the police of bad elements by providing credible information.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that the officers were swiftly arrested, investigated, and dismissed in line with existing police regulations. He added that the suspects would now face prosecution to answer the charges against them.

Okoye stressed that the action underscores the Command’s commitment to accountability, professionalism, and rebuilding public trust.

He also encouraged residents to report police misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) Desk line: 08148024755, assuring that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.