LAGOS/Nigeria: Residents of Lagos are expected to benefit from faster responses to violent crimes following the inauguration of a newly strengthened Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) by the Lagos State Police Command, with authorities warning that the squad must operate within the law and protect, rather than intimidate, members of the public.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, gave the charge on Thursday while inaugurating the renovated operational base of the VCRU at Otto, Ijora. The event also featured the presentation of seven tactical operational vehicles and other security assets donated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to improve the unit’s crime-fighting capacity.
The development comes as security agencies continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing in response to concerns over violent crimes in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The establishment of the VCRU forms part of broader police reforms aimed at improving public safety while rebuilding citizens’ confidence through professional and accountable policing.
Addressing officers of the newly inaugurated unit, Tijani said the VCRU was created to enhance intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to violent crimes and support safer communities across Lagos.
He, however, made it clear that the unit was not established to harass, intimidate or extort residents.
“The VCRU is not a unit of harassment, intimidation or unlawful conduct. Every officer must carry out his or her duties with discipline, professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens,” the police commissioner said.
He warned that any officer found abusing the rights of residents or engaging in misconduct would face disciplinary measures, stressing that professionalism and accountability must remain the foundation of the unit’s operations.
Tijani also urged Lagos residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that intelligence supplied by members of the public remains critical to preventing and combating violent crime.
According to him, security is a shared responsibility that requires sustained cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities.
The commissioner described the VCRU as one of the strategic initiatives introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen the fight against violent crime and criminality nationwide.
He also acknowledged the support of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, for providing tactical vehicles, logistics and operational equipment that have enhanced the command’s capacity to respond quickly to security challenges.
Tijani urged officers deployed to the unit to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving with integrity, courage and professionalism, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and stronger partnerships with residents.
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, attributed Lagos’ security successes to consistent investment in policing and collaboration among government, security agencies and the private sector.
He announced the donation of seven tactical vehicles and other operational equipment to the VCRU, adding that the trust fund had also provided more than 1,200 raincoats and other logistics to improve the welfare and operational effectiveness of police personnel across the state.
Ogunsan described Lagos as a model for innovative security initiatives, noting that institutions such as the Rapid Response Squad and the Lagos State Task Force had become reference points for other states.
He expressed confidence that the newly established VCRU would evolve into one of Lagos’ leading crime-fighting units and appealed to residents and corporate organisations to continue supporting the trust fund’s efforts through sustained partnerships and donations.
Earlier, the Officer in Charge of the VCRU, CSP Oyin Oremosu, assured Lagos residents that officers of the unit would discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline, integrity and full respect for the rule of law.
He explained that the VCRU was established to tackle violent crime through intelligence-led policing, prompt operational response and thorough investigations, adding that public cooperation would remain essential to the unit’s success.
Oremosu also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders for their support in strengthening security across the state.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Olalekan Adigun, commended the police for establishing the specialised unit and involving young people in community policing initiatives.
He described the VCRU as a strategic intervention against violent crime and pledged the council’s support in promoting safer communities. Adigun, however, urged officers to uphold the rights of young people and residents, stressing that the unit should serve as a protector of the public rather than a source of intimidation.
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of seven tactical operational vehicles and other security assets by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to boost the operational readiness of the Violent Crime Response Unit.
