Kogi State government has inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Lokoja as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crimes across the state.
At the inauguration, the deputy governor, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, who represented Governor Usman Ododo said the establishment of the unit underscored the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He disclosed that the facility, fully funded by the state government, was constructed and equipped to serve as a modern operational base for the specialised police unit.
According to him, the facility comprises ten offices, four detention cells, a conference room, and a control room with uninterrupted power supply.
Salifu said the government had also provided the unit with four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, one Bullet-Proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles to enhance its operational effectiveness.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security and assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies with logistics, operational vehicles, communication equipment, and welfare interventions.
The deputy governor reiterated the administration’s resolve to eradicate banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, stressing that Kogi State is already taking the lead in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, said the VCRU was established in line with the policing reforms and operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at strengthening intelligence-led policing and rapid response to violent crimes.
He explained that the unit would focus on tackling armed banditry, kidnapping, highway attacks, and other violent crimes through intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated operations with sister security agencies.
The police commissioner noted that officers selected for the unit underwent rigorous screening and professional assessment to ensure competence, discipline, and operational readiness.
Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), commended Governor Ododo for his sustained support to security agencies, describing the inauguration of the VCRU as another demonstration of the government’s determination to enhance security across the state.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, government officials, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.