By joshua KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND INAUGURATES VIOLENT CRIME RESPONSE UNIT (VCRU), STRENGTHENS FIGHT AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME
The Kogi State Police Command today officially inaugurated and operationally launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Lokoja, a strategic tactical formation established to enhance intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations, and the fight against violent crimes across Kogi State.
The inauguration ceremony was performed by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, in the presence of the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, senior police officers, traditional rulers, heads of sister security agencies, government officials, community leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, religious leaders, and other critical stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Government to the security of lives and property and pledged continued support to security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and public safety across the State. He noted that the establishment of the facility reflects the Government’s determination to strengthen the State’s security architecture and enhance operational effectiveness.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, whose reform-driven policing agenda and operational directives led to the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit nationwide. He noted that the Unit is designed to address emerging security threats through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, rapid intervention, surveillance, and coordinated responses to violent crimes.
The Commissioner of Police explained that the VCRU is specifically mandated to combat armed banditry, kidnapping, highway attacks, and other violent criminal activities while strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders in maintaining public safety. He disclosed that officers selected for the Unit underwent rigorous screening, vetting, and professional assessment to ensure that only personnel with proven integrity, discipline, operational competence, and physical readiness were deployed to the specialized formation.
The Commissioner assured residents of Kogi State that the Unit would operate professionally, within the ambit of the law, and with full respect for human rights while remaining resolute in denying criminal elements freedom of action within the State. He further emphasized the importance of sustained intelligence sharing, community partnership, and inter-agency synergy in tackling security challenges, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Kogi State Police Command expresses profound appreciation to the Government of Kogi State for its unwavering support towards strengthening security in the State. The Command remains committed to leveraging the operational capacity of the newly inaugurated Unit to enhance public safety, strengthen law enforcement efforts, and ensure a more secure environment for all residents.
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
Police Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Command
4th June, 2026