The kogi state governor, Usman Ododo has reiterated his unwavering commitment to smoke out kidnapping and other violent crimes
across the state
This is just as he inaugurated the violent crime Response Unit VCRU of the Nigerian Police force in Lokoja, kogi state capital.
Ododo made the disclosure white commissioning the state of the art headquarters of the unit and induction of the 565 trained in weapon handling and intelligence gathering to beef up the workforce of the smart and battle ready of the force
Represented by his deputy,Joel Oyibo Salifu at the inauguration ceremony, noted that the sanctity of lives and property of kigites remain a priority of his administration.
He said in recognition of the Unit’s growing responsibilities and strategic importance in combating violent crimes, his administration deemed it necessary to provide a befitting and fully equipped operational base.
He added the construction of the facility was fully funded by the Kogi State Government, hinting that the construction which commenced in March 2024 will be officially handed over to Nigeria Police Force for the benefit of the people of Kogi State.
He said the facility which was designed to support efficient policing and operational effectiveness comprises ten well-equipped offices, four standard detention cells, a conference room, a control room, and enjoys constant power supply to ensure uninterrupted operations.
He said in addition, he has also provided the Unit with four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, one Bullet-Proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles.
He appreciated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to equip and motivate security personnel to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities as his administration’s commitment to peace, stability, and national security continues to inspire confidence and support across the country.
“Furthermore, in line with the vision and policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, our administration remains committed to providing additional operational vehicles and logistics support to enable the Unit effectively extend its coverage to all the twenty-one Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
” In demonstration of this commitment, our administration has continued to invest significantly in supporting the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command through the
Provision of operational vehicles and communication equipment to enhance mobility and rapid response across the State,renovation and equipping of divisional police stations to improve the welfare and operational capacity of officers.
” Sustained logistical and welfare support to boost morale and efficiency in the discharge of duties.,Complete renovation of the Commissioner’s official residence, installation of state-wide communication gadgets for the Police Command.Repairs of five Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). refurbishing of patrol vans.
and the establishment of this Violent Crime Response Unit.
The governor charged officers of the Unit to Serve with integrity, act with speed, and protect with courage.
Earlier, commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi acknowledged the visionary leadership and operational directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, whose reform-driven policing framework provided the basis for the establishment of this specialized tactical unit across Commands of the Federation.
He added that the IGP’s directive emphasizes proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response to violent crime in strengthening internal security.
Disu disclosed that the security environment in recent times has continued to present evolving and complex challenges, particularly armed banditry, kidnapping, highway attacks, and other violent crimes.
” These threats require a responsive, intelligence-driven, and coordinated operational structure capable of swift intervention.It is in response to this operational necessity that the Violent Crime Response Unit has been established.
He commended Governor Usman Ododo for making this project a reality, formerly served other operational purposes,.
“The VCRU is a specialized tactical response formation mandated to respond swiftly to violent incidents, conduct intelligence-led operations, strengthen surveillance and prevention, support ongoing operations in high-risk areas, and enhance inter-agency collaboration for effective security management across Kogi State.
“Its core objectives include improving response time, disrupting criminal networks, strengthening public confidence in law enforcement, and ensuring a safer environment for residents and visitors.
” The officers and men selected for this Unit have undergone thorough screening, vetting, and professional assessment covering discipline, operational history, integrity, and physical readiness. Only personnel who met strict professional standards were selected.
“For ease of identification and operational effectiveness, members of the Unit shall operate in designated VCRU tactical uniforms comprising black combat attire, black berets, black boots, and approved insignia, reflecting discipline, professionalism, and readiness.
“To the officers and men of the VCRU, I charge you to justify the confidence reposed in you by demonstrating discipline, courage, integrity, and professionalism. The use of force must remain lawful, proportionate, and guided strictly by established rules of engagement and extant laws” He warned.
