Gov Ododo Commissions Violent Crime Response Unit, Reaffirms Commitment to Security in Kogi
The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a fully equipped Police Force Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Lokoja as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, Governor Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said security remains a top priority of his administration, stressing that development can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.
The Governor noted that the VCRU had played a critical role in combating violent crimes in the state despite operating from a shared facility. He said the growing responsibilities of the Unit informed the government’s decision to construct and equip a modern operational base for its activities.
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According to him, the facility, fully funded by the Kogi State Government, contains ten offices, detention cells, a conference room, control room and uninterrupted power supply to ensure efficient operations.
Governor Ododo also disclosed that the state government provided the Unit with four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, one Bullet-Proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier and three Toyota Sienna vehicles to boost its crime-fighting capacity.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritizing security and supporting security agencies across the country, describing the President’s efforts as instrumental to improving national security and public safety.
The Governor equally pledged continued support for the Nigeria Police Force in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. He revealed that his administration has invested heavily in security through the provision of operational vehicles, communication gadgets, renovation of police formations, repair of Armoured Personnel Carriers, refurbishment of patrol vans and welfare support for officers.
Governor Ododo charged officers of the VCRU to serve with integrity, professionalism and courage, assuring the Nigeria Police Force of his administration’s unwavering partnership in securing the state.
He expressed confidence that the new facility and operational assets would significantly enhance the Unit’s capacity to prevent and respond swiftly to violent crimes across Kogi State.
Ealier in his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, described the inauguration of the Unit as a major step in strengthening the state’s security architecture. He said the VCRU was established in line with the reform-driven policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to tackle emerging security threats such as kidnapping, banditry, highway attacks and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and rapid response mechanisms.
He noted that officers selected for the Unit underwent rigorous screening and professional assessment to ensure only competent and disciplined personnel were deployed.
He appreciated the state Governor, for his immense support to security agencies and for providing the facility and logistics that made the operationalization of the Unit possible. He stressed that the unit would operate professionally, respect human rights and work closely with other security agencies and community stakeholders to improve public safety. While calling on residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information, saying that security is a collective responsibility.
In his goodwill message, the state Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara rtd., said the Government has recorded significant success in its fight against insecurity, assuring that the few criminal elements still attempting to raise their heads have their days numbered. He commended the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies for their continued partnership with the government in keeping the state safe and peaceful.
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,
Kogi state
June 4, 2026
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 4TH 2026)
