Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Oyo State Police Command, describing the initiative as timely and necessary amid rising concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
Speaking during the official launch of the specialised unit and the commissioning of its office complex at the Command Headquarters in Ibadan, the governor said the creation of the VCRU reflected the collective determination of the state government and security agencies to strengthen Oyo State’s security architecture and ensure residents continue to live and work in peace.
The governor disclosed that, according to discussions with the Commissioner of Police, the unit is the first of its kind in the South-West region.
Makinde’s remarks came barely hours after the reported abduction involving children in Orire Local Government Area of the state, an incident he described as painful and troubling for many families and communities.
“We are working with the security agencies to get clarity on what happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have lost their loved ones. This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted and that government must remain proactive, vigilant and responsive at all times,” the governor said.
He stressed that economic growth, investment, tourism and social stability could only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and public confidence, noting that his administration had continued to support security agencies through logistics, mobility support, surveillance infrastructure, intelligence collaboration and improved inter-agency cooperation.
Governor Makinde described the establishment of the VCRU as a more intelligence-driven, professional and rapid-response approach to tackling violent crimes in the state.
He also commended the emphasis placed on professionalism, tactical preparedness, accountability and respect for human rights in the operations of the unit.
“I want to assure the Nigeria Police Force and all security agencies operating in Oyo State that this administration will continue to provide the necessary support required to protect lives and property,” he said.
The governor, however, urged residents and community leaders to support security agencies with timely information, noting that there remains a significant gap in intelligence sharing within communities.
“From what we know so far about the incident in Orire Local Government, there is still a big gap in providing timely information to security agencies. When you notice strange movements or suspicious behaviour, please report it,” Makinde added.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command for initiating the project, describing it as an effective collaboration between federal security institutions and sub-national governments.
“While the initiative is federal, the impact is local,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the establishment of the VCRU aligned with the policing reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at replacing former tactical squads with a more accountable and intelligence-led security structure.
According to him, the unit was created to respond swiftly and effectively to violent crimes and emerging security threats while ensuring strict compliance with human rights principles and operational ethics.
CP Abimbola explained that officers selected for the unit were drawn from divisions and formations across the state based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience.
He added that the officers underwent intensive training in intelligence gathering, tactical operations, weapon handling, crisis response and civil interaction. He also noted that all personnel passed drug screening and mental health evaluations before deployment.
The police commissioner further announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee comprising representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, market leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders to monitor the operations of the unit and ensure accountability.
He said the newly commissioned office complex would provide a conducive operational environment to improve the efficiency, welfare and responsiveness of officers attached to the VCRU.
CP Abimbola warned officers against abuse of power and unprofessional conduct, insisting that policing in modern society must be anchored on discipline, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to intelligence-led policing, community partnership, rapid-response capability and proactive crime prevention strategies aimed at keeping the state safe for residents and investors.
