Kwara police command inaugurates violent crime response unit

Kwara State Police Command, on Friday, officially inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

‎The event held at the police officers’ mess in Ilorin marked the grand finale of the two-day capacity-building programme organized for officers of the newly established Unit, in line with the operational mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen intelligence-led response to violent crimes and deepen community-oriented policing.

‎The State Police Commissioner, Ojo Adekimi, formally constituted members of the Civilian Oversight Board and officially inaugurated the VCRU operational team, with its base at A Division, Ilorin.

‎In his speech, the Commissioner stated that the unit is mandated to tackle armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations, while ensuring protection of lives and property, strict compliance with the law and human rights standards, community trust, and public accountability in all its operations.

‎The programme featured security awareness lectures including “Public Safety and Security of the State” delivered by AIG Ishola Babatunde Baba-Ita (Rtd) and “Trust, Cooperation and Active Participation of Stakeholders in Securing Our Communities” delivered by SP Barrister A.M. Iwalaiye (Rtd).

‎Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders, including the Senior Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Security, Alhaji Aliyu Muyideen, traditional rulers, youth representatives, market leaders, transport union representatives, and special vigilante groups.

‎The interactive session also provided an avenue for questions, complaints, and suggestions geared towards strengthening police-community partnership and enhancing public safety across the state.

‎The state police command urged all residents to continue supporting security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, according to a statement by the spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.