The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Enugu State and commissioned 12 refurbished operational vehicles to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Disu, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Miller Gajere Dantawaye, performed the inauguration at the unit’s headquarters in Golf Estate, off the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dantawaye said the initiative was designed to strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve emergency response and enhance the protection of lives and property across the state.
He explained that the 12 vehicles, refurbished through the support of the Enugu State Government, would improve police mobility, patrol coverage and rapid deployment to crime scenes.
The AIG commended Gov. Peter Mbah for sponsoring the refurbishment of the vehicles, which he said were previously in deplorable condition.
“By restoring these vehicles to service, we are not merely improving our fleet; we are restoring valuable operational assets and expanding our capacity to protect the people of Enugu State,” he said.
The 12 refurbished operational vehicles commissioned for the Enugu State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
Dantawaye described the intervention as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to public safety and prudent resource management.
He said effective policing required sustained collaboration among government, security agencies and the communities they served.
“Your partnership with the Nigeria Police Force reinforces the understanding that effective policing requires strong collaboration between government, security agencies and the communities we serve,” he said.
The AIG assured the governor that the vehicles would be deployed responsibly to improve operational effectiveness and public safety.
He also commended the Inspector-General for establishing the VCRU as part of efforts to strengthen the police response to violent crime nationwide.
According to him, the initiative reflects the Force’s determination to adopt a more coordinated, proactive and intelligence-driven approach to policing.
Dantawaye charged personnel deployed to the unit to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights.
“They must act within the law, remain accountable in the discharge of their duties and treat members of the public with fairness, dignity and respect,” he said.
He urged residents to support the unit by providing credible information, cooperating with lawful police operations and remaining vigilant against criminal activities.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and our success will depend significantly on public trust, community participation and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, disclosed that the VCRU had arrested 182 suspects and rescued 31 kidnapped victims since its establishment in April 2026.
Giwa said the unit had also recovered 57 assorted firearms, including 13 AK-47 rifles, 669 rounds of live ammunition and 44 vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles.
He explained that the arrests comprised 40 suspects linked to armed robbery, 38 to kidnapping and abduction, 36 to unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and 68 to cultism and drug trafficking.
According to him, the operations also resulted in the recovery of stolen vehicles, illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits, as well as the prosecution of suspects.
The commissioner explained that the VCRU was established by the Inspector-General in April with defined operational guidelines and oversight mechanisms to strengthen the fight against violent crime.
He identified its mandates as investigating and suppressing armed robbery, kidnapping and related offences, protecting lives and property, promoting community engagement and ensuring accountability.
Giwa stressed that the unit would operate in accordance with the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and applicable international human rights standards.
“The establishment of the VCRU underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating violent crime through intelligence-led operations, professionalism and accountability,” he said.
On personnel preparedness, the commissioner disclosed that all officers deployed to the unit underwent profiling and vetting to establish their integrity and suitability for the assignment.
He said they also received training in human rights, professional conduct, the use of force and firearms, and social and emotional intelligence in policing.
According to him, the training covered relevant Nigerian laws and the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials.
To strengthen public accountability, Giwa announced the constitution of a State VCRU Civilian Oversight Board comprising representatives of traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the legal profession, the media, community policing groups and youths.
He identified the members as Igwe Chinedu Nyia Nwobodo, representing traditional institutions, and Larry Oguego, representing civil society organisations.
Others are Odo Venatious, representing the Nigerian Bar Association, and Obinna Ogbuka, representing the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The remaining members are Bright Alaribe, representing the Police Community Relations Committee, and Ebuka Bartholomew Okoh, representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
“The board has the responsibility of providing civilian oversight, channelling community feedback and promoting accountability,” Giwa said.
He added that a complaints desk, headed by the State Media Liaison Officer, had been established to receive and address complaints relating to the unit’s operations.
On operational coordination, the commissioner disclosed that existing tactical squads had been integrated into the VCRU as specialised sub-sections.
He listed them as the Crack Tactical Sub-Section, responsible for armed robbery, terrorism and related offences, and the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Section, which handles kidnapping and associated violent crimes.
Others are the Anti-Cultism Sub-Section and the Monitoring and Media Sub-Section, responsible for operational monitoring, professional conduct oversight and media relations.
Giwa named Henry Imo as the overall head of the VCRU, while Chukwuka Odum heads the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Section.
He identified Isaac Odogwu as Head of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Section and Godwins Ebuka Ebenezer as the State Media Liaison Officer and Head of the Monitoring and Media Sub-Section.
The commissioner thanked the Inspector-General for establishing the unit and providing the operational framework for its activities.
He also appreciated Gov. Mbah for supporting the command through the provision of operational vehicles and other essential logistics.
Giwa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating violent crime, safeguarding lives and property, and strengthening public confidence through professional policing.
Gov. Mbah was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Vincent Onyeabor.
