Some of the 12 refurbished operational vehicles
By Tony Adibe
The Inspector General of Nigeria Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, has advised operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Enugu State Command to always treat citizens with respect, dignity and fairness while discharging their official duty.
“Treat members of the public with fairness, dignity and decorum,” said Disu, who was quick to add that the protection of citizens and their lives, rights and property remained the duty of the Nigeria Police.
The IGP, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 13 comprising Anambra and Enugu State, Mr. Miller Gajere Dantawaye, advised on the formal launch of the Enugu State Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and commissioning of the twelve refurbished operational vehicles at its Headquarters, Golf Estate, Enugu on Tuesday.
Disu also said: “I charge the officers and personnel assigned to the Unit to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage and respect for human rights. They must act within the law, remain accountable in the discharge of their duties and treat members of the public with fairness, dignity and respect.”
The IGP said that the confidence of the people remained indispensable to effective policing and called on residents of Enugu State to support the Unit and the Nigeria Police Force by “providing credible and timely information, cooperating with lawful police operations and remaining vigilant against criminal activities.”
Disu described security as a “collective responsibility, and our success will depend significantly on public trust, community participation and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.”
According to him, the launching of the VCRU in Enugu State “is both timely and strategic”, adding that it “underscores our resolve to adopt a more coordinated, intelligence-driven and responsive approach to policing, with particular emphasis on preventing violent crime, protecting vulnerable persons, responding swiftly to emergencies and ensuring that perpetrators of criminal acts are brought to justice.”
On the twelve refurbished vehicles, Disu explained that they would significantly enhance the “mobility, visibility and operational readiness of the Unit”. He added: “They will facilitate rapid deployment to crime scenes, improve patrol coverage, strengthen intelligence-led operations and support the timely intervention of police personnel in situations requiring urgent response.
“By restoring these vehicles to service, we are not merely improving our fleet; we are restoring valuable operational assets and expanding our capacity to protect the people of Enugu State.”
He said that the event represented renewed commitment, strengthened capacity and a shared determination to make Enugu State safer for residents, investors and visitors alike.
“It is my firm belief that using these vehicles, the Violence Crime Response Unit will contribute significantly to the prevention of crime, reduction of violent incidents and protection of lives and property throughout Enugu State,” Disu said while appreciating Governor Peter Mbah for refurbishing the vehicles and continued support to the police in the state.
“May these vehicles serve as instruments of peace, security, public service and Justice. May they enhance our operational effectiveness, strengthen public confidence, and contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of Enugu State,” the IGP said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mr. Mamman Bitrus Giwa, focused on, among other things, the operational effectiveness and achievements made since the establishment of the VCRU in the state. He explained that the VCRU “has conducted intelligence-led operations both in Enugu State and across the nation in keeping with professional standards and respect for human rights.”
According to Giwa, VCRU’s operations “have contributed to the Command’s efforts against armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cultism and illicit drug trafficking.”
The CP said that these have resulted in arrests and prosecution of many suspects, rescues of kidnapped victims and recoveries of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, live ammunition, other offensive weapons, stolen and snatched vehicles, illicit drugs and substances, and other incriminating exhibits.
Giving the operational feats that were statistically summarized this, Giwa said: “ARRESTS: Total Number of Suspects Arrested – 182Total Number of Suspects Arrested for Armed Robbery – 40Total Number of Suspects Kidnapping/Abduction – 38Total Number of Suspects for Unlawful Possession of Firearm/Ammunition – 36Total Number of Suspects for Cultism and Drug/Substance Trafficking – 68.
“RESCUES: Total Number of Kidnapping/Abduction Victims Rescued – 31
RECOVERIES: Total Number of Assorted Firearms (including 13 AK-47 rifles) – 57 Total Number of Assorted Live Ammunition – 669
Total Number of Vehicular Exhibits (including Motor Vehicles, Tricycles and Motorcycles) – 44. “The Unit remains central to the Command’s efforts to prevent and combat violent crime across Enugu State.”
Giwa said that the establishment of the VCRU underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the forward-looking leadership of IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combating violent crime through intelligence-led operations, professionalism and accountability.
