Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated the 218-member Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the State Police Command and commissioned 12 operational vehicles to bolster efforts against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The launch ceremony was held at the State Police Command Headquarters, Dutsen-Kura, Minna, and was attended by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Mohammed Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Commissioner for Homeland Security and other senior government officials.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, said the VCRU was created to provide a swift response to violent crimes, including armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts and thuggery.
Elleman disclosed that the unit comprises 218 carefully selected officers drawn from tactical formations and police divisions across the state. He said the personnel had undergone specialised training in modern policing techniques, operational procedures and human rights.
He added that the unit would be commanded by CSP Hassan Gimba, while the newly commissioned vehicles would improve patrol operations, mobility and emergency response capabilities.
The police commissioner expressed appreciation to the Bago administration for its continued support, noting that the state government had previously donated five operational vehicles to the command in August 2025.
He also commended residents for providing credible intelligence that has assisted the police in combating crime.
While commissioning the vehicles, Governor Bago reaffirmed that security remains a top priority for his administration, pledging continued support for the police through the provision of logistics and operational resources.
According to the governor, the additional vehicles will enhance the effectiveness of the newly established unit and enable faster responses to security threats across the state.
Bago also lauded Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu for approving the creation of the VCRU, describing the initiative as a timely measure to address evolving security challenges.
Addressing the officers, Commissioner Elleman urged them to maintain professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights while strictly adhering to Force Order 237 and other operational guidelines governing the use of firearms.
BACKSTORY:
Niger State has remained one of the states most affected by insecurity in Nigeria, with communities facing recurring attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other armed criminal groups. Several local government areas have witnessed incidents of kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, farmer-herder clashes and attacks on rural settlements, prompting repeated calls for stronger security measures.
In response, the Niger State Government has continued to support security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, logistics and other equipment. In August 2025, the Bago administration donated five operational vehicles to the State Police Command to enhance its crime-fighting capacity.
The latest launch of the 218-member Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the commissioning of 12 additional patrol vehicles form part of the state’s broader strategy to improve rapid response to security threats. The specialised unit is expected to tackle banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes while strengthening police presence across vulnerable communities in Niger State.
