The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has inaugurated a specialised Violent Crime Response Unit to strengthen efforts against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes within Abuja and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Monday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the unit was established following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as part of ongoing reforms to improve security operations and public safety.
Sanusi explained that the new unit was created to address growing security challenges through rapid response and intelligence-driven policing.
“The Violent Crime Response Unit is a specialised intervention team established to confront violent crimes and enhance operational effectiveness across police commands nationwide,” he said.
According to him, the unit has been divided into five operational sectors across the territory to ensure wider coverage and quicker deployment during emergencies.
“This structure is designed to ensure that every part of the FCT receives adequate security attention while enabling officers to respond swiftly and effectively to threats,” Sanusi stated.
The police commissioner noted that personnel assigned to the unit underwent a rigorous selection process based on competence, discipline and operational experience.
“The officers and men deployed to this unit were carefully screened and trained for this assignment. Their selection was based on professionalism, operational capacity and their ability to function under demanding conditions,” he said.
Sanusi urged members of the unit to conduct themselves professionally and respect citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties.
“You must demonstrate the highest standards of discipline, integrity and professionalism. No act of intimidation, harassment, extortion, abuse of authority or unlawful conduct will be tolerated under any circumstances,” he warned.
He also called on residents of the FCT to support security agencies by providing useful information that could aid crime prevention and investigations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation and trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve,” the commissioner added.
Also speaking at the event, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, commended the establishment of the unit and urged officers to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“A lot of effort went into your training. To whom much is given, much is expected. You must live up to the expectations placed on you,” he said.
Describing the VCRU as a force multiplier, Onasanya expressed confidence that its operations would strengthen security across the nation’s capital.
“The FCT must feel your impact. Go out there and demonstrate the skills and capabilities you have acquired,” he charged.
The military commander also pledged continued support for police operations, noting that collaboration between security agencies remained vital in tackling criminal activities.
“We will continue to provide the necessary support. Our communication channels are already established, and we will strengthen them further to ensure successful joint operations,” he said.
During the ceremony, the FCT Police Command honoured the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, CSP Mustafa Mohammed, for his bravery during a high-risk rescue operation in Bwari Area Council on June 5.
Presenting the award, Onasanya described Mohammed as a dependable officer committed to public safety.
“This is a highly reliable officer. Whenever he is called upon, regardless of the time, he responds and delivers,” he said.
Representing traditional rulers in the FCT, the Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa, welcomed the initiative and pledged support from community leaders.
“The establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit sends a strong message that violent criminals will no longer find safe havens within our communities,” Yunusa said.
He assured the police of continued cooperation from traditional institutions, particularly in intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts.
The VCRU forms part of broader reforms announced by the Inspector-General of Police in May 2026 to improve the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and organised criminal activities through enhanced intelligence gathering and rapid response operations.
