As part of ways to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state, the Cross River State Police Command has officially launched a new tactical outfit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The initiative is set to align with the ongoing reforms within the police and the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Key Highlights:
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Akata.
According to the command, the newly established unit will replace existing tactical formations including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Anti-Cultism Squad.
The unit is expected deliver swift, intelligence-driven, and professional responses to violent crimes within the state.
In the statement, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid Afegbua, described the development as a strategic move toward modern, accountable, and community-oriented policing anchored on professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights.
As part of the restructuring, the commissioner of police, has appointed Titus Udofia as commander of the unit.
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The new unit will operate from the state police headquarters in Calabar, while two operational sectors have been created to cover the northern and central parts of the state.
Sector One will oversee the Ikom and Ogoja axes, while Sector Two will cover Akamkpa and Ugep areas.
The police command, also disclosed that officers deployed to the unit have undergone extensive screening, vetting, and specialized training focused on intelligence-led policing, lawful use of force, and protection of citizens’ rights.
It also stressed that unlawful stop-and-search operations, harassment, profiling, extortion, and other forms of misconduct would not be tolerated under the new structure.
