The Nigeria Police Force in Osun State has launched a Violent Crime Response Unit as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crimes across the state.
The initiative, unveiled during a press briefing by the Osun State Police Command, followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at establishing a more coordinated, efficient and intelligence-driven framework for tackling crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other violent offences.
The Command said the unit would operate in line with constitutional provisions, the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and international human rights standards, while also serving as a bridge of trust between the police and the public.
According to the Command, officers deployed to the unit are currently undergoing intensive training on human rights, social and emotional intelligence to improve professionalism and strengthen their relationship with residents.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, said the establishment of the unit became necessary in view of growing security concerns in neighbouring states.
“It is pertinent to state that this programme came at a period we are facing security challenges especially from our neighbouring states. Meanwhile, police operatives will be deployed to our neighbouring boundaries to forestall a repeat of what happened there,” he said.
Gotan also charged operatives attached to the unit to remain professional and adhere strictly to operational guidelines.
“The VCRU initiative is a reflection of the Force’s unwavering commitment to reassuring and rebuilding public confidence through professional and accountable policing practices. Therefore, any act capable of tarnishing the image of the Force should be jettisoned,” the police commissioner stated.
He announced the appointment of Ademuwagun Jeremiah, a Chief Superintendent of Police, as commander of the new unit.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Police Community Relations Committee and other critical stakeholders had been co-opted into a civilian oversight committee to monitor the activities of the unit and ensure accountability.
Members of the public were encouraged to report complaints against personnel of the unit through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit on 08134681997 and 07051629634.
Gotan reassured residents of Osun State of the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes and appealed for continued public support and cooperation.
“I want to use this same medium to acknowledge and appreciate you as one of the critical stakeholders in the security business,” he added while commending members of the media for their support.
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