Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has commended the Inspector General of Police for the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), describing it as both timely and necessary.
The governor gave the commendation on Saturday at the inauguration and commissioning of the VCRU by the Oyo State Police Command at the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde said it reflects the collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Oyo State and ensure that residents continue to live, work, and raise their families in peace.
Making reference to incidents in recent weeks, including kidnappings and other violent crimes across parts of Nigeria and particularly the Friday abduction involving children in Oriire Local Government Area, which he described as disturbing, Governor Makinde said his government is working with security agencies to get clarity on what happened.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he stated.
Noting that the incident is a reminder that security cannot be taken for granted, and that government must remain proactive, vigilant and responsive at all times, the governor said his administration had continued to support security agencies through logistics, mobility, surveillance infrastructure, intelligence collaboration, and improved inter-agency cooperation across the state.
Saying that the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) is a welcome development, he pointed out that it represents a more intelligence-driven, professional, and rapid-response approach to combating violent crime.
“I am particularly encouraged by the emphasis on professionalism, tactical preparedness, accountability and respect for human rights in the operation of the unit,” he remarked, assuring the Nigeria Police Force and all security agencies operating in Oyo State that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support required to strengthen collective responsibility in protecting lives and property.
He reminded members of the public that security is a shared duty and not the responsibility of government alone, urging them to remain vigilant, share timely information with security agencies, and work together to isolate criminal elements wherever they may be.
He also encouraged community leaders and citizens to be watchful of their environment, note strange movements or behaviours, and provide timely information.
He said the establishment of the VCRU is also a good example of collaboration between federal agencies and those operating at subnational levels, emphasising that the impact of the federal initiative, now being domesticated, would be felt locally.
He commended the courage and sacrifice of police officers and men who daily put themselves in harm’s way to keep the state safe, encouraging them to keep up the good work.
He prayed for the success of the Violent Crime Response Unit in its mandate, as well as for continued safety, peace and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, in his remarks, said the event was not merely ceremonial but a bold demonstration of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Disu, towards reforming the policing architecture, strengthening public trust, and deepening professionalism in tactical operations across the country.
CP Abimbola disclosed that the establishment of the VCRU is aimed at replacing tactical teams with a more accountable, intelligence-driven, professionally trained, and human rights-compliant special unit capable of responding swiftly and effectively to violent crimes and emerging security threats.
The police boss stated further that the VCRU has been designed to operate as a specialised intervention unit with clear operational standards; its essence is not just enforcement but responsibility anchored on professionalism, restraint and respect for citizens’ rights.
He informed the public that members of the unit underwent comprehensive drug screening and mental health evaluation before full absorption into the team, recognising that effective policing must be carried out by officers who are not only professionally competent but also psychologically fit and emotionally balanced.
The Commissioner of Police also announced the inauguration of an independent oversight committee comprising representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Human Rights Commission, market associations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to monitor the activities of the unit and ensure accountability.
The police commissioner charged officers of the unit to remain professional and avoid abuse of power or unprofessional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
The Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olorunleke Babatunde, who gave a briefing on the establishment and operational mandate of the VCRU by the IGP, assured residents that members of the unit had been adequately briefed to ensure that their conduct reflects professionalism, civility and accountability.
In his goodwill message, the Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, who also represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s security policies, which he said had contributed significantly to peace in the state.
He assured the Commissioner of Police and the state government of the cooperation of residents.
Dignitaries present at the event included traditional rulers, community leaders, and security chiefs in Oyo State.