The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has launched a new Violent Crime Response Unit as part of efforts to strengthen security and enhance the fight against violent crimes across the territory.
The unit was officially inaugurated on Monday at the Old SARS Office, Abattoir, Guzape Junction, Abuja, by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi.
The launch ceremony attracted heads and representatives of various security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, senior police officers and other stakeholders. Among the dignitaries present were the Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs and Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa; the Commander of the Guards Brigade, A.O. Onasanya; and representatives of the Naval Base Abuja, Nigerian Air Force Camp, Army Headquarters Garrison, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police said the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit underscores the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to proactively tackle armed robbery, kidnapping, violent attacks, organised criminal activities and other serious threats to public safety.
According to him, the unit has been strategically divided into five operational sectors across the FCT to ensure wider coverage, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times and enhance operational effectiveness.
He noted that personnel assigned to the unit were carefully selected and subjected to rigorous training to prepare them for the demands of the assignment. The police commissioner stressed that professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights must remain central to the unit’s operations.
He warned that any form of misconduct, abuse of authority, harassment, extortion or unprofessional behaviour by officers of the unit would not be tolerated, adding that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against violators.
The police chief also urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of timely and credible information. He emphasised that lasting security can only be achieved through effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines.
The launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit marks another step in the Command’s efforts to improve public safety and strengthen its capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats across the Federal Capital Territory.
