Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen efforts against 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.
Governor Ododo represented by Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, described the establishment of the VCRU as a major step in the administration’s commitment to strengthen security and public safety.
He said security remains a central pillar of the administration, stressing 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.
Governor Ododo revealed that the government fully funded and constructed facility between March and July 2024, has now been formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
He 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.
The Governor 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.
He also disclosed that the administration had renovated police stations, provide communication equipment, welfare support for security personnel, renovated commissioner’s residence, repaired armoured personnel carriers, and refurbishment patrol vehicles.
Governor Ododo urged officers of the unit to serve with integrity, act with speed and protect with courage, stressing that they will be held accountable by Kogites.
Earlier, Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Kankarofi said the the establishment of the VCRU aligns with the Inspector-General of Police’s reform-driven policing strategy, which prioritises proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and rapid response to emerging security threats.
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 commissioner noted that the evolving security issues facing the country require specialised and coordinated responses, particularly in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry.
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.
Kankarofi 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 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 stressed the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups, religious organisations and residents in the fight against crime.
The Commissioner assured citizens of the command’s commitment to lawful and professional policing, adding that the VCRU would operate within the ambit of the law while remaining dedicated to protecting lives and property across Kogi State.
