DIG Abdul inaugurates violent crime response unit to tackle insecurity in Kebbi

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North-West geopolitical zone, Sulaiman Mohammed Abdul, has inaugurated the Nigeria Police Force’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and improve security.

Speaking during the launch in Birnin Kebbi, Abdul said the initiative was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at enhancing the fight against crime and criminality across the country.

According to him, the VCRU is a technology-driven unit designed to gather and analyse intelligence on planned criminal activities, enabling security agencies to prevent crimes before they occur.

“The police will no longer wait for crimes to happen before taking action. With the new unit, we intend to stay ahead of criminal elements and improve the safety and security of Nigerians,” he said.

The DIG urged officers and men of the Kebbi State Police Command to maintain professionalism and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.

He also noted that the welfare, healthcare and housing needs of police personnel remain key priorities of the Inspector-General of Police, adding that the deployment of technology would further strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar Hadejia, highlighted the command’s achievements in combating armed banditry and other criminal activities, including operations against the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.

Hadejia said Kebbi’s location along international borders with neighbouring countries presents unique security challenges, but sustained police operations have significantly reduced criminal activities in the state.

He added that several suspected criminals had been neutralised or arrested through ongoing security operations.

“With the inauguration of this unit, our capacity to tackle violent crimes has been strengthened, and we will ensure that it remains active and effective in preventing criminal activities across the state,” he said.