Manny Ita –
The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to establish a new tactical unit aimed at tackling rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the country.
The initiative follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and will be implemented nationwide as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security operations.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, the new unit will be known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
“The VCRU, a brainchild of the IGP, has, among other responsibilities, the core mandate of investigating, responding to, and suppressing violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related offences through strictly intelligence-driven operations,” he said.
He added that the unit will operate in line with constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
“The unit is also expected to operate at all times in full compliance with constitutional provisions, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, and applicable international human rights standards, while remaining accountable and serving as a bridge of trust between the Nigeria Police Force and the public,” the statement added.
In Enugu State, the police have designated the former Crack Tactical Base at Golf Estate as the operational headquarters of the unit.
CSP Henry Imo has been appointed as commander of the unit, while ASP Godwin Ebuka Ebenezer will serve as media liaison officer.
Authorities said officers assigned to the VCRU have undergone intensive training covering human rights, as well as social and emotional intelligence, to improve professionalism and public engagement.
A dedicated complaint response desk has also been established, with a hotline (08039382015) for members of the public to report misconduct or concerns involving the unit.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, urged operatives to remain professional and committed to their mandate, while reassuring residents of improved security efforts.
He also called on citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies in the fight against crime.
The development comes amid a surge in kidnapping incidents across Nigeria, affecting civil servants, business owners, politicians, and students.
Kidnapping remains a criminal offence under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022), which prescribes life imprisonment or death sentence depending on the outcome of the crime. The law also imposes at least a 15-year jail term for paying ransom to secure the release of victims.
