Abuja Gets New Anti-Crime Force as Police Strengthen Offensive Against Criminal Networks By Raymond Enoch
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has unveiled a new specialized security outfit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in a major move aimed at strengthening the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, violent attacks and other organized criminal activities across Abuja and its environs.
The unit was officially launched on Monday at the former SARS facility located at Guzape Junction, Abuja, by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, who described the initiative as a strategic response to emerging security challenges within the nation’s capital.
The launch ceremony attracted key stakeholders from the security sector, traditional institutions and government agencies, underscoring the growing collaboration among security actors in the quest to secure the FCT.
Speaking at the event, the police commissioner said the establishment of the VCRU reflects the vision and commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to proactively tackle violent crimes and improve public safety nationwide.
According to him, the newly established unit has been strategically divided into five operational sectors across the FCT to ensure wider coverage, faster deployment, improved intelligence gathering and more effective response to criminal incidents.
Sanusi noted that the specialized squad would focus on combating armed robbery, kidnapping, violent attacks and other serious crimes that threaten public peace and security.
“The unit has been carefully structured to respond swiftly to violent criminal activities while enhancing security presence across the territory,” he stated.
The commissioner disclosed that officers selected for the unit underwent a rigorous screening process and specialized training to prepare them for the demands of intelligence-driven and professional policing.
He, however, warned personnel against abuse of power, stressing that professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights must remain the cornerstone of their operations.
Sanusi maintained that the command would not tolerate misconduct, extortion, harassment or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust in the police.
Among dignitaries present at the event was Adamu Baba Yunusa, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The police chief also appealed to residents of the FCT to support security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, emphasizing that effective security can only be achieved through partnership between law enforcement agencies and the public.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security authorities, assuring them that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
The launch of the VCRU marks a significant addition to Abuja’s security architecture and is expected to enhance the operational capacity of the police as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and sustain peace across the Federal Capital Territory.
