Insecurity: Osun police launch violent crime response unit 

The Osun State Police Command has launched the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU.

The launch was held at the headquarters of the Osun State Police Command, Osogbo on Tuesday.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, the unit is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as part of sustained efforts to strengthen security and the fight against violent crimes across the nooks and crannies of the state.

CP Gotan also revealed that the VCRU is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, which is aimed at establishing a more coordinated, efficient and intelligence-led framework for responding to violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other related violent offenses.

He said, “it is also expected to operate at all times in full compliance with constitutional provisions, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, other related laws and applicable international Human Rights standards, while remaining accountable and serving as a bridge of trust between the Nigeria Police Force and the public.”‎

He also assured that police operatives will be deployed to boundaries with neighbouring states to forestall violent crimes and kidnappings.

“Further to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to ensure strict adherence to extant laws and international human rights standards, officers deployed to this Unit are presently undergoing intensive training on human rights, as well as social and emotional intelligence, to enhance professionalism and guide their relationships with members of the public. 

“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 deploy to our neighbouring boundaries to forestall a repeat of what happened there.” 

Gotan, charged operatives deployed to the Unit to remain guided by its core mandates and clearly defined standard operating procedures.

The CP reiterated that the VCRU initiative is a reflection 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 Force should be jettisoned.