The Katsina State Police Command on Friday unveiled a new Violent Crime Response Unit aimed at strengthening security operations and addressing growing cases of violent crimes across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Katsina, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, said the initiative aligns with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police to improve efficiency, accountability and professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.
Fage explained that the newly created unit was designed to harmonise tactical operations under a more coordinated and intelligence-led structure capable of responding promptly to 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.
According to the police commissioner, the unit will focus on combating crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, illegal possession of firearms and other violent criminal activities affecting communities in the state.
He described the inauguration of the unit as timely, noting that it would strengthen the state’s security framework and improve public trust in law enforcement.
“The commissioning of this unit is therefore timely and necessary in enhancing our security architecture and improving public confidence and trust,” Fage stated.
The commissioner also assured residents that officers assigned to the unit were selected based on merit, competence and discipline.
“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 added.
To ensure accountability, the command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board to monitor the operations of the unit.
The board includes representatives from traditional institutions such as the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura, civil society organisations, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, youth groups, trade unions and other stakeholders.
Fage said the board would help strengthen transparency and community trust by reviewing the conduct and impact of the unit while providing feedback to the police command.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner commended the Inspector-General of Police for supporting reforms in the force and also praised officers of the Katsina State Police Command for their commitment despite operational challenges.
