Police Launch Violent Crime Response Unit In Enugu

Enugu State Police Command, Tuesday, launched its Violent Crime Response Unit to examine crimes within the state.

THE WHISTLERreviews that the unit is situated on the former operations base of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad

Speaking on the unveiling, the state Police Commissioner, CP Bitrus Giwa, recalled that in April 2026, the Inspector-General of Police established the VCRU with outlined mandates, operational tips and oversight mechanisms to strengthen the combat in opposition to violent crimes.

He listed the mandates to incorporate investigating and suppressimg armed theft, kidnapping and different violent crimes by way of intelligence-led operations; defending lives and property; and selling public belief by way of group engagement, in addition to making certain correct documentation, transparency and accountability in all operations.

Giwa mentioned, “In line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directives, all personnel posted to the Command’s VCRU underwent profiling and vetting to establish their integrity and suitability for service. They also received training in human rights and professional conduct, covering relevant Nigerian laws, the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, principles governing the use of force and firearms, and social and emotional intelligence in policing.”

He added that the IGP additionally directed the institution of a State VCRU Civilian Oversight Board comprising impartial representatives of key stakeholder teams.

Quoting him, “In compliance, I constituted the Board with the following members: HRH Igwe Chinedu Nyia Nwobodo , traditional Institution; Mr Larry Ogwuego, Civil Society; Barr Odo Venatious, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Mr Obinna Ogbuka, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); Rev Bright Alaribe, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and Comrade Ebuka Bartholomew Okoh – National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).”

He mentioned the Board has the accountability of offering civilian oversight, channel group suggestions and promote accountability.

“The VCRU also operates a Complaints Desk, headed by the State Media Liaison Officer, to receive and address complaints relating to the Unit’s activities,” he mentioned.

Giwa mentioned the Command partnered with the Enugu State authorities to facilitate the unit’s efficient operation. He thanked Gov Peter Mbah for his continued help, notably the supply of operational autos and different important logistics.

He mentioned consistent with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive, present tactical squads whose mandates align with combating violent crime have been built-in into the VCRU as specialised sub-sections.

He listed them as VCRU Crack Tactical Sub-Section to deal with armed theft, terrorism and associated offences; VCRU Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Section to deal with kidnapping and associated violent crimes; VCRU Anti-Cultism Sub-Section answerable for cultism and associated violent crimes, in addition to VCRU Monitoring/Media Sub-Section to oversight operational monitoring, skilled conduct oversight, media liaison and associated obligations.

He mentioned VCRU, since its institution, had performed intelligence-led operations each in Enugu State and throughout the nation consistent with skilled requirements and respect for human rights.

He mentioned, “Its operations have contributed to the Command’s efforts against armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism and illicit drug trafficking. These have resulted in arrests and prosecution of many suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims and recoveries of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, live ammunition, other offensive weapons, stolen and snatched vehicles, illicit drugs and substance and other incriminating exhibits.”

According to him, the operations of the unit led to the arrest of forty 40 armed robbers, 38 suspected kidnappers, 36 illegal firearm possessors, and 68 suspected cult members. He mentioned the unit additionally rescued 31 kidnapped victims.

It additionally recovered 57 assorted firearms, 669 assorted dwell ammunition, and 44 vehicular reveals, he mentioned, including that “the unit remains central to the Command’s efforts to prevent and combat violent crime across Enugu State”.

He mentioned, “The establishment of the VCRU underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating violent crimes through intelligence-led operations, professionalism and accountability.”

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, was represented by AIG Miller Dantawaye Assistant Inspector-General of Police answerable for Zone 13, comprising Anambra and Enugu State Commands.