Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State, describing the initiative as timely and necessary amid rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.

At the official launch of the unit on Saturday, and commissioning of the headquarters in Ibadan, Makinde said the creation of the specialized tactical unit reflected the collective resolve of the government and security agencies to strengthen the security architecture of Oyo State.

The governor said that discussions with the state Commissioner of Police, revealed that the VCRU is the first of its kind in the South-West region.

He said the establishment of the unit became more significant following recent security challenges, including the abduction incident involving children in Orire Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the establishment of the VCRU aligned with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at replacing former tactical teams with more accountable, intelligence-driven and professionally trained units.

Olugbenga explained that the VCRU was designed to respond swiftly and effectively to violent crimes and emerging security threats while operating with strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State, describing the initiative as timely and necessary amid rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.

At the official launch of the unit on Saturday, and commissioning of the headquarters in Ibadan, Makinde said the creation of the specialized tactical unit reflected the collective resolve of the government and security agencies to strengthen the security architecture of Oyo State.

The governor said that discussions with the state Commissioner of Police, revealed that the VCRU is the first of its kind in the South-West region.

He said the establishment of the unit became more significant following recent security challenges, including the abduction incident involving children in Orire Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the establishment of the VCRU aligned with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at replacing former tactical teams with more accountable, intelligence-driven and professionally trained units.

Olugbenga explained that the VCRU was designed to respond swiftly and effectively to violent crimes and emerging security threats while operating with strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.