The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Enugu State. He also commissioned 12 refurbished operational vehicles donated by the Enugu State Government.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the VCRU headquarters in Golf Estate, Enugu. Assistant Inspector-General of Police Miller Gajere Dantawaye represented Disu at the event.
Governor Peter Mbah’s administration supported the vehicle refurbishment to improve police mobility and emergency response. The intervention targets armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other serious crimes across the state.
Dantawaye praised the governor for supporting the police and strengthening public safety. He noted that the vehicles had previously fallen into deplorable condition. Their refurbishment, he said, demonstrates the value of cooperation between government, security agencies and communities.
The AIG said the vehicles would expand patrol coverage and speed up deployment to crime scenes. They would also support intelligence-led operations across Enugu State.
Dantawaye further commended the Inspector-General for establishing the VCRU. He described the unit as an important step towards proactive policing and stronger responses to violent crime.
He urged officers to maintain discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights. He stressed that public trust and accountability remain essential to effective policing.
Enugu VCRU Records 182 Arrests and Rescues 31 Kidnap Victims
Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa said the VCRU had recorded 182 arrests since April 2026. The arrests covered several categories of suspected criminal activity.
According to Giwa, officers arrested 40 suspects linked to armed robbery. They also arrested 38 suspected kidnappers and abductors, alongside 36 suspects over unlawful firearm and ammunition possession.
Another 68 suspects faced arrest over alleged cultism and drug or substance trafficking. The commissioner said the unit had also rescued 31 kidnapping and abduction victims.
The VCRU recovered 57 assorted firearms, including 13 AK-47 rifles. Officers also recovered 669 rounds of live ammunition during their operations.
The unit further recovered 44 vehicles and other transport exhibits. These included motor vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles.
Giwa said intelligence-led operations had strengthened efforts against armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism and illicit drug trafficking. He added that the unit’s activities extended beyond Enugu State.
The figures highlight the command’s reported operational activities since the unit’s establishment. Residents can also read about FCT Police Arrest 300 Suspects in Raids on Crime Hotspots.
Police Integrate Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism Squads Into VCRU
Giwa explained that the Inspector-General established the VCRU in April 2026. The unit operates under defined mandates, operational guidelines and oversight mechanisms.
The command integrated existing tactical squads whose duties align with the VCRU’s responsibilities. The unit now covers armed robbery, terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, operational monitoring and media liaison.
CSP Henry Imo heads the unit. CSP Chukwuka Odum leads the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Section, while DSP Isaac Odogwu heads the Anti-Cultism Sub-Section.
ASP Godwins Ebuka Ebenezer serves as State Media Liaison Officer. He also heads the Monitoring and Media Sub-Section.
Giwa said the command screened and vetted personnel before deploying them to the unit. Officers also received training in human rights and professional conduct.
Their training covered lawful force and firearm use, social intelligence and emotional intelligence in policing. These measures aim to strengthen discipline and improve operational standards.
The command’s focus on kidnapping also reflects wider security concerns across Nigeria. In a related report, Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims and Arrest Four Suspected Lakurawa Members.
Enugu Police Establish Civilian Oversight Board
The Inspector-General directed the command to establish a civilian oversight board. The board will promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in VCRU operations.
Giwa said the command selected six members from key stakeholder groups. They represent the traditional institution, civil society, the legal profession, the media, community policing and youth organisations.
The members include HRH Igwe Chinedu Nyia Nwobodo, representing the traditional institution. Larry Ogwuego represents civil society, while Barrister Odo Venatious represents the Nigerian Bar Association.
Obinna Ogbuka represents the Nigeria Union of Journalists. Rev. Bright Alaribe represents the Police Community Relations Committee, while Comrade Ebuka Bartholomew Okoh represents the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
The board will receive community feedback and monitor the unit’s activities. It will also help strengthen accountability and public engagement.
Giwa disclosed that the command had established a complaints desk under the State Media Liaison Officer. Residents can use the desk to report concerns about the unit’s conduct.
The oversight arrangement aims to strengthen cooperation between the police and the public. It also provides a channel for residents to raise concerns about police operations.
Civil Society Welcomes Emphasis on Human Rights
Larry Ogwuego, a civil society representative and oversight board member, praised the police leadership’s focus on human rights. He said civilian oversight should improve policing rather than obstruct lawful operations.
Ogwuego urged officers to treat residents as partners in fighting crime. He explained that respect for citizens’ rights could encourage communities to share credible information.
He added that accountability could strengthen relations between security agencies and residents. According to him, effective policing depends on public cooperation and trust.
Ogwuego assured the command that the oversight board would support legitimate efforts to combat violent crime. He said the board would not obstruct officers carrying out their lawful duties.
The police leadership also urged residents to provide timely and credible information. It called on communities to cooperate with lawful operations and support public safety efforts.
The command said these partnerships could help make Enugu safer for residents, investors and visitors. The initiative combines operational support, specialised policing and civilian oversight in the fight against violent crime.
For more on security efforts in the state, read Enugu Security Agencies Assure Residents of Peaceful, Hitch-Free Local Government Elections.
