As part of a major structural reform, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday, May 5, announced the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a restructured tactical formation designed to enhance the Force’s response to serious and violent crimes.
The IGP made the announcement at an emergency conference with senior strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force, including the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
IGP Disu said that the Unit will operate strictly on intelligence-based deployment, supported by specialised training, human rights compliance, and structured accountability, with Commissioners of Police bearing direct responsibility for its oversight.
He emphasised the imperative of transparency, discipline, and leadership responsibility at all levels of command, saying that the evolving security landscape demands a more responsive, accountable, and intelligence-driven policing approach.
The conference, which also had members of the press in attendance, was to address critical national security concerns, reinforce accountability within the Force, and outline strategic operational directives for Commands and Formations nationwide.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police spoke on the recent incident in Delta State involving the extra-judicial killing of a suspect, describing the act as unlawful and inconsistent with the values of the Nigeria Police Force.
He confirmed that the officers involved had been dismissed from service, while the case had been forwarded for criminal prosecution.
He reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that no officer is above the law.
Highlighting operational outcomes for April 2026, the Inspector-General of Police disclosed that intelligence-led operations across the country led to the arrest of 28 suspected terrorists, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, 85 kidnapping suspects, and 54 suspected cultists.
Additionally, 189 kidnapped victims were rescued, 140 firearms and 1,074 rounds of ammunition recovered, alongside 37 stolen vehicles.
The Inspector-General of Police directed all Commissioners of Police to strengthen community policing through regular town hall engagements with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community groups.
He also mandated that Commissioners make their contact details accessible to community leaders to improve communication and public trust.
IGP Disu reiterated that the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force are focused on professionalism, discipline, human rights compliance, and public accountability, supported by accessible mechanisms such as the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU).
He assured that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to institutional reform, operational efficiency, and the protection of the rights and safety of all Nigerians.
