By John Dike, Osogbo
The Nigeria Police Force has launched a violent Crime response unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crimes across Osun State.
The initiative, according to the command, is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
In a statement issued by the command, the police said the newly inaugurated unit is aimed at establishing a more coordinated, efficient, and intelligence-led framework for responding to violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other related offences.
The command stated that the VCRU would operate in compliance with constitutional provisions, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, other extant laws, and international human rights standards.
According to the statement, the unit is also expected to remain accountable and serve as a bridge of trust between the police and members of the public.
The police disclosed that officers deployed to the unit are currently undergoing intensive training on human rights, social intelligence, and emotional intelligence to enhance professionalism and improve public relations.
The command noted that the initiative comes at a time when the state is facing security challenges from neighbouring states, adding that operatives would be deployed to boundary areas to prevent a recurrence of criminal activities recorded in nearby states.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, charged officers attached to the unit to remain guided by the unit’s core mandates and standard operating procedures.
He also announced the appointment of Ademuwagun Jeremiah as Commander of the VCRU.
The CP stated that the initiative reflects the commitment of the police force to rebuilding public confidence through professional and accountable policing practices.
He warned officers against any act capable of tarnishing the image of the force.
The police further disclosed that the Police Community Relations Committee and other critical stakeholders had been co-opted as members of the civilian oversight committee for the unit.
Members of the public were advised to report complaints against personnel of the unit through the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) of the Police Public Relations Office via 08134681997 and 07051629634.
CP Gotan reassured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes and appealed for continued public support and cooperation.
The police boss reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with relivant security agencies to fighting crime and criminality adding the job of eefevtive crime prevention, detection and control is for all sundry.
He also appreciated members of the media, describing them as critical stakeholders in the security architecture of the state.
