By Joy Yesufu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Abuja and its surrounding communities.
The unit was inaugurated on Monday at the former SARS office in Abuja by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi.
Speaking during the launch, Sanusi said the creation of the VCRU forms part of the command’s broader strategy to address emerging security threats and improve public safety within the nation’s capital.
According to him, the unit has been specifically designed to tackle crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, violent attacks and other activities of criminal elements operating within the territory.
The police commissioner disclosed that the VCRU has been structured into five operational sectors strategically located across the FCT to enhance coverage, intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities and effective deployment of personnel and resources.
He noted that officers assigned to the unit were carefully selected and subjected to specialised training to prepare them for the demands of the assignment.
Sanusi stressed that professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights must remain the foundation of the unit’s operations.
He warned that acts of misconduct, abuse of authority, harassment, extortion and other forms of unprofessional behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“The success of this unit will depend not only on its operational effectiveness but also on the trust and confidence of the public. Officers must discharge their responsibilities with integrity and respect for the rights of citizens,” he said.
The commissioner also called on residents of the FCT to support the police by providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and combating crime.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, senior police officers and representatives of various security agencies, including the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General A.O. Onasanya.
The establishment of the VCRU is expected to bolster ongoing efforts by the FCT Police Command to improve security and respond more effectively to violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
