As part of new initiatives to address growing insecurity throughout the nation, Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has formed a dedicated Violent Crime Response Unit, or VCRU, in each of the federation’s states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The regulation, which goes into effect on May 2, 2026, aims to improve the speed at which violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, and violence associated to cults are responded to.
The new squad would function as an intelligence-driven strike force, according to police officials, with the goal of enhancing command coordination across the country and responding quickly to violent occurrences.
A senior police officer told Nigeria Newsdesk that the action is a part of continuous reforms to realign the force for more professionalism and efficiency.
A senior police officer told Nigeria sources that the action is a part of continuous reforms to realign the force for more professionalism and efficiency.
Violent crime response unit
State-level non-specialized tactical teams are to be abolished and merged into the new unit as part of the reorganisation. According to the source, “the unit is intended to serve as a specialised and rapid response force against violent crime nationwide.”
Meanwhile, authorities have assigned CSP Chris Nwaogbo to lead the unit in Bayelsa State and have invited selected commanders to Abuja for operational briefings to execute the mandate.
The IGP also directed the police to modernise forensic laboratories and upgrade digital intelligence systems, including improvements to the national criminal database, to support investigations with modern technology.
Additionally, the Police Mobile Force’s personnel will be removed from non-core responsibilities like VIP escort in order to concentrate solely on violent crime response and riot control.
The IGP emphasised the necessity for professionalism and respect for human rights at all times while cautioning officers assigned to the new unit to operate completely within the law.
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