The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has launched a specialised Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Abuja and surrounding communities.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the unit was inaugurated on Monday as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve public safety in the FCT.
Speaking at the event, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the unit was established on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to enhance the Nigeria Police Force’s operational effectiveness.
Sanusi said the new unit had been divided into five operational sectors to ensure wider coverage, faster response times, improved intelligence gathering and more effective crime-fighting operations throughout the territory.
He noted that officers assigned to the VCRU were carefully selected and underwent extensive screening and training based on competence, discipline and operational capacity.
The police commissioner urged personnel to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties. He warned that misconduct, abuse of authority, intimidation, harassment, extortion and extrajudicial actions would not be tolerated.
Sanusi also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that lasting security can only be achieved through cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the initiative and described the unit as a force multiplier that would strengthen security operations in the FCT.
He encouraged officers to justify the confidence placed in them and assured the police of continued military support through existing joint security arrangements across Abuja and the area councils.
During the ceremony, the FCT Police Command presented a commendation award to CSP Mustafa Mohammed for his role in a high-risk anti-kidnapping operation in Bwari on June 5, 2026.
Traditional rulers also welcomed the development. Speaking on behalf of the FCT Council of Chiefs, the Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa, described the creation of the VCRU as a timely response to growing security concerns in the territory.
The unit follows the nationwide establishment of Violent Crime Response Units announced by the Inspector-General of Police on May 6, 2026, as part of broader reforms aimed at improving intelligence gathering, rapid response and operational effectiveness against organised criminal activities.
