Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Lokoja, while the Kogi State Police Command officially unveiled the specialized tactical squad to combat kidnapping, armed banditry, highway attacks, and other violent crimes across the state.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday in Lokoja, drew government officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and other stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security and public safety.
Representing Governor Ododo at the event, Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo described the establishment of the VCRU as a major step in the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a secure environment for economic growth and development.
He emphasized that security remains a central pillar of the Ododo administration, noting that sustainable development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
According to him, the VCRU had previously operated from a shared facility within the A Division Police Station in Lokoja, but the increasing demands of its operations necessitated a dedicated and modern headquarters.
Oyibo disclosed that the facility, fully funded by the Kogi State Government and constructed between March and July 2024, has now been formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
The facility comprises ten fully equipped offices, four standard detention cells, a conference room, a control room, and a reliable power supply system to ensure uninterrupted operations.
To enhance the unit’s operational effectiveness, the state government also provided four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, one bullet-proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), and three Toyota Sienna vehicles.
The deputy governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to security agencies through improved funding, equipment provision, and welfare packages aimed at strengthening national security.
He also reaffirmed Kogi State’s support for the policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, promising additional logistics and operational support to enable the VCRU expand its activities across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Highlighting the administration’s broader security investments, Oyibo listed the renovation of police stations, provision of communication equipment, welfare support for security personnel, renovation of the Commissioner’s residence, repairs of armoured personnel carriers, and refurbishment of patrol vehicles.
“The people of Kogi State are counting on you. Serve with integrity, act with speed, and protect with courage,” he charged officers of the unit.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, said the establishment of the VCRU aligns with the Inspector-General’s reform-driven policing strategy, which prioritizes proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response to emerging security threats.
The Police Commissioner noted that the evolving security challenges facing the country require specialized and coordinated responses, particularly in addressing kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry.
He commended the Kogi State Government for constructing, furnishing, renovating, and upgrading the facility to meet the operational needs of the new tactical outfit.
“The establishment of this unit reflects the unwavering commitment of the Kogi State Government to supporting security agencies and ensuring the safety of residents,” he said.
According to him, the VCRU will focus on intelligence-led operations, surveillance, rapid interventions in high-risk areas, and close collaboration with other security agencies to enhance public safety.
He revealed that officers deployed to the unit underwent rigorous screening and professional assessments to ensure they possess the discipline, integrity, competence, and physical fitness required for the assignment.
The officers, he said, will operate in designated black tactical uniforms, including black combat attire, berets, boots, and approved insignia for easy identification and operational effectiveness.
The commissioner urged members of the squad to carry out their duties with professionalism, courage, discipline, and respect for human rights, while strictly adhering to established rules of engagement.
He also stressed the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups, religious organizations, and residents in the fight against crime.
Assuring citizens of the command’s commitment to lawful and professional policing, the police commissioner said the VCRU would operate within the ambit of the law while remaining dedicated to protecting lives and property throughout Kogi State.
The launch of the unit is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities, improve response to security threats, and boost public confidence in law enforcement across the state.
