Police unveil violent crime unit in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command on Friday officially launched the Violent Crime Response Unit as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and combat rising violent crimes across the state.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Katsina on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, said the establishment of the unit was in line with the reform agenda and vision of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, the VCRU was created to reorganise and consolidate tactical operational units into a more coordinated, intelligence-driven structure capable of responding swiftly to emerging security threats.

“The establishment of the VCRU is a strategic step towards consolidating the efforts of all tactical operational units into a more coordinated, intelligence-driven structure capable of responding swiftly and effectively to emerging security threats,” he said.

The police commissioner explained that the unit would focus on tackling crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent criminal activities threatening peace and security in communities.

“The commissioning of this unit is therefore timely and necessary in enhancing our security architecture and improving public confidence and trust,” he stated.

The commissioner assured residents that officers deployed to the VCRU were carefully selected based on competence, experience, discipline and commitment to duty.

Fage noted that “these officers have been carefully selected based on competence, experience, discipline and commitment to duty. They have also undergone rigorous training and have been charged to carry out their responsibilities professionally and in compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with utmost respect for fundamental human rights,” he said.

To ensure accountability and transparency, the command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board to monitor the activities of the unit, comprising representatives of traditional institutions, including the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura, civil society organisations, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Police Community Relations Committee, trade unions, youth groups and other critical stakeholders.

Fage explained further that “the board shall provide visibility into the general conduct and community impact of the VCRU, receive and channel feedback to the Commissioner of Police, and promote transparency in the unit’s relationship with the communities it serves”.

The commissioner also commended the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and commitment to reforming the police force for better service delivery.

He further praised officers and men of the Katsina State Police Command for their resilience and dedication despite operational challenges.

Two armoured patrol vehicles and other operational vehicles, as well as motorcycles, were allocated to the unit.