By joshua Omodara: Kogi Govt Will Not Negotiate With Kidnappers, VCRU Will Add Value to Security Fight
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed that it will not negotiate with criminals and kidnappers, warning that payment of ransom only motivates them to continue their operations.
The Special Adviser on Security to the Kogi State Government, Commander Jerry Omodara, made this known on Thursday during the official inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, at the Kogi State Police Command in Lokoja.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Commander Omodara commended the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, for what he described as “commitment and yardwork” that has led to a drastic drop in criminal activities across the state.
“The introduction of the VCRU will further add value to the fight against insecurity in Kogi State,” he said. “I reassure you that the state government will continue to do its best in support of security agencies in the state.”
He frowned at the payment of ransom to abductors, describing it as a direct motivation for kidnappers to persist. “Kogi State government will not negotiate with criminals and kidnappers. We frown seriously on payment of ransom because it encourages them to continue,” Omodara stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, said the VCRU was established in line with the reform-driven policing framework of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritizes proactive, intelligence-led operations and rapid response to violent crime.
He noted that the facility housing the unit was constructed, furnished and recently upgraded by the Kogi State Government to meet the operational needs of the tactical team. The CP disclosed that officers selected for the VCRU underwent rigorous screening for discipline, operational history, integrity and physical fitness, and will operate in designated black combat attire for easy identification.
The Commissioner charged the personnel to demonstrate discipline, courage and professionalism, stressing that the use of force must remain lawful and proportionate under established rules of engagement.
The VCRU is a specialized tactical formation 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.
Its core objectives include improving response time, disrupting criminal networks, restoring public confidence in law enforcement, and ensuring a safer environment for residents and visitors across Kogi State.
Police authorities assured that the unit would operate strictly within the law, uphold human rights, and remain committed to protecting lives and property as the state intensifies efforts against banditry, kidnapping and highway attacks.