The Kwara State Police Command has officially inaugurated the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing and combat violent crimes across the state.

The inauguration, held on Friday at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ilorin, marked the grand finale of a two-day capacity-building programme organised for officers of the newly established unit.

The initiative, according to the command, aligns with the operational mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at enhancing intelligence-driven responses to violent crimes and deepening community-oriented policing.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, formally inaugurated the VCRU operational team, which will operate from A Division, Ilorin, and also constituted members of the Civilian Oversight Board.

Speaking at the event, Adekimi said the unit is specifically mandated to tackle armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes through intelligence-based operations while ensuring protection of lives and property.

He added that the unit would operate with strict adherence to the law, respect for human rights, public accountability, and community trust.

The programme also featured security awareness lectures, including “Public Safety and Security of the State” delivered by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ishola Babatunde Baba-Ita, and “Trust, Cooperation and Active Participation of Stakeholders in Securing Our Communities” presented by retired Superintendent of Police, Barrister A.M. Iwalaiye.

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 officials, and vigilante groups.

The interactive session provided an opportunity for participants to raise questions, complaints, and suggestions aimed at strengthening police-community relations and improving public safety across the state.

The Police Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, urged residents to continue supporting security agencies through timely and credible information sharing.