Osun Police Command launches Violent Crime Response Unit, constitutes civilian committee

By Isa Isawade

‎In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, the Osun State Police Command has inaugurated the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of sustained efforts to strengthen security and the fight against violent crimes across the nooks and crannies of the state.

The VCRU, an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, is aimed at establishing a more coordinated, efficient and intelligence-led framework for responding to violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other related violent offences.

The Unit is also expected to operate at all times in full compliance with constitutional provisions, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, other related laws and applicable international Human Rights standards, while remaining accountable and serving as a bridge of trust between the Nigeria Police Force and the public. ‎

This was made known in a press release by the command on Tuesday, signed by the state’s Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.

‎The release read: “Further to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to ensure strict adherence to extant laws and international human rights standards, officers deployed to this Unit are presently undergoing intensive training on human rights, as well as social and emotional intelligence, to enhance professionalism and guide their relationships with members of the public.

“It is pertinent to state that this program came at the period we are facing security challenges especially from our neighbouring States, meanwhile police operatives will be deploy to our neighbouring boundaries to forestall a repeat of what happened there.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips has charged operatives deployed to the Unit to remain guided by its core mandates and clearly defined standard operating procedures, as he appointed CSP Ademuwagun Jeremiah as the Commander of the Unit (VCRU).

“The CP further reiterated that the VCRU initiative is a reflection of the force’s unwavering commitment to reassuring and rebuilding public confidence through professional and accountable policing practices.

“Therefore, any act capable of tarnishing the image of Force should be jettisoned.”

The command also informed that Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) and other critical stakeholders have been co-opted as an oversight committee of the VCRU.

Members of the public are advised to reach out to the complaints Desk of the command police public relations office i.e. Complaint Response Unit (CRU) through the following phone numbers 08134681997; 07051629634 to report their complaints against personnel of the unit.

In his address to Press men on Tuesday, CP Ibrahim Gotan reassured residents of Osun State of the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling violent crimes and solicited the continued support and cooperation of the public.

He also used the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the press “as one of the critical stakeholders in security business.”