…. as IGP launches unit

By Venica Uchechukwu, Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has arrested 182 suspects, rescued 31 kidnapped victims and recovered 57 firearms, including 13 AK-47 rifles, since its establishment in April 2026.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, disclosed this while presenting the unit’s operational scorecard during the formal launch of the VCRU by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, in Enugu.

According to Giwa, the unit has recorded significant operational activities in the fight against violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, cultism, and drug and substance trafficking.

He explained that several of the suspects arrested by the unit had been prosecuted, adding that the VCRU remained committed to strengthening law enforcement and protecting residents from criminal activities.

The police commissioner further disclosed that the unit had recovered 669 rounds of assorted live ammunition and 44 vehicles, comprising motor vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, alongside other exhibits linked to criminal activities.

The launch ceremony, held at the VCRU State Headquarters in Golf Estate, Enugu, provided an opportunity for the police leadership to reaffirm its commitment to intelligence-driven operations and improved security across the state.

Represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, the IGP described the establishment and formal launch of the unit as a strategic step towards strengthening the police response to violent crimes.

Disu said the initiative was designed to enhance intelligence gathering, prevent violent criminal activities and protect lives and property through specialised policing operations.

He charged officers and personnel of the unit to discharge their duties with professionalism, discipline and accountability, stressing the importance of respect for human rights in the conduct of police operations.

The IGP also commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for providing vehicles and supporting security infrastructure across the state, noting the importance of logistical support and collaboration between the police and the state government in tackling criminality.

In his remarks, CP Giwa explained that the VCRU was organised into specialised operational sections to address different categories of violent crime and strengthen internal monitoring.

He said the unit’s responsibilities covered armed robbery, terrorism and related offences, kidnapping, cultism, and drug trafficking.

According to him, the unit also has sections dedicated to operational monitoring, oversight of professional conduct and media liaison to ensure effective coordination, accountability and communication.

Giwa reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain the fight against violent crime, assuring residents that the police would continue to work towards safeguarding lives and property throughout Enugu State.

He also acknowledged the continued support of the state government, emphasising the importance of cooperation among security agencies, government institutions and communities in addressing security challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the VCRU State Civilian Oversight Board, Mr. Larry Ogwuego, who represented civil society organisations, commended the IGP for establishing the unit and promoting intelligence-led policing.

Ogwuego said the board would discharge its oversight responsibilities by promoting accountability, monitoring the unit’s activities and ensuring that community feedback informed its operations.

He also stressed the importance of protecting human rights while carrying out security operations, noting that public confidence and cooperation were essential to effective policing.

The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, Mr. Vincent Onyeabor, Special Assistant to the Governor, and members of the State Civilian Oversight Board representing various sectors of society.

Other members of the board present included HRH Igwe Chinedu Nwobodo, representing the traditional institution; Barrister Dozie Iwuala, representing the legal profession; and Reverend Bright Alaribe, representing the Police Community Relations Committee.

Also in attendance were Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, representing the media, and Comrade Ebuka Bartholomew Okoh, representing the youth.

The police command said the unit would continue to focus on intelligence-driven operations, professional conduct and collaboration with relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to combat violent crime and strengthen public safety in Enugu State.