By Paul Joseph
The Ondo State Police Command has announced the establishment of a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and tackle rising incidents of violent crime across the state.
The initiative, unveiled on April 29, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Mess in Alagbaka, Akure, is being championed by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
The unit is designed to enhance the Command’s operational capacity through rapid response, intelligence-led policing, and specialized intervention strategies.
According to the Command, the creation of the VCRU aligns with ongoing reforms introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at modernizing policing and improving public confidence in law enforcement.
The VCRU has been mandated to respond swiftly to serious crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other threats to public peace, while maintaining strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.
To ensure effectiveness, the unit has been structured into three operational zones across the state.
The North Zone will operate from the Upeme axis along the Owo Expressway, the Central Zone will function from the SWAT Office in Akure as the coordinating hub, while the South Zone will be based around the Ore axis to cover the southern senatorial district.
Police authorities stated that personnel assigned to the unit were carefully selected based on professionalism, competence, and operational experience. They have also undergone specialized training to equip them with the skills required to confront violent crimes while upholding discipline and respect for citizens’ rights.
CP Lawal described the establishment of the unit as a major step toward improving operational effectiveness and restoring public trust in the police.
He emphasized that the VCRU would operate within a structured, accountable framework with clearly defined roles and a focus on measurable results.
The Command also commended the Inspector-General of Police for what it described as a “visionary initiative,” noting that the reform underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to adopting modern policing standards.
Reaffirming the Command’s determination to rid Ondo State of violent criminal elements, the Commissioner urged residents to support the new unit by providing timely and credible information.
He assured that the VCRU would operate with integrity, zero tolerance for misconduct, and full respect for human rights, while calling for continued collaboration between the police and the public in building a safer environment across the state.
Leave a Reply