Kogi Police Launch Violent Crime Response Unit to Tackle Banditry, Kidnapping
The Kogi State Police Command has inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, a specialized tactical team created to tackle rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and highway attacks across the state.
The VCRU was officially launched on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by the Deputy Governor representing Governor Usman Ododo, traditional rulers, security chiefs, civil society groups, youth bodies including NYCN, NUJ, religious leaders, and the Nigeria Police Force.
In his address, the Commissioner of Police said the unit was established under the reform-driven policing framework directed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM. The IGP’s directive, he noted, emphasizes proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response to violent crime.
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“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,” the CP stated.
He commended the Kogi State Government for constructing and fully furnishing the facility, and for recently renovating it to meet the operational needs of the VCRU. The CP described the investment as proof of the administration’s commitment to strengthening security infrastructure and supporting law enforcement.
Mandate and Composition
The CP explained that the VCRU is mandated to respond swiftly to violent incidents, conduct intelligence-led operations, strengthen surveillance and prevention, support operations in high-risk areas, and enhance inter-agency collaboration.
Officers deployed to the unit, he said, underwent strict screening on discipline, operational history, integrity, and physical fitness. Only those who met professional standards were selected.
For identification and effectiveness, VCRU operatives will wear black combat attire, black berets, black boots, and approved insignia “reflecting discipline, professionalism, and readiness.”
Call for Public Support
The police boss charged officers to operate with discipline, courage, integrity, and professionalism, stressing that “the use of force must remain lawful, proportionate, and guided strictly by established rules of engagement and extant laws.”
He also urged synergy with sister security agencies and called on royal fathers, community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders, and citizens to share timely intelligence. “Security is a collective responsibility,” he said.
“On behalf of the officers and men of the Kogi State Police Command, I assure the good people of Kogi State that the VCRU will operate within the ambit of the law, uphold professionalism, respect human rights, and remain committed to protecting lives and property.”
The inauguration adds to recent state government efforts to bolster security as Kogi faces increasing threats along highways and rural communities.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 4TH 2026)
