By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Police Force has announced sweeping reforms, including the creation of a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and intelligence-led policing nationwide.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, made this known during a high-level briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the new unit represents “a fundamental shift in how we approach serious crime in Nigeria.”
“This is not a rebranding exercise. The VCRU represents a fundamental shift in how we approach serious crime in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, officers deployed to the unit have undergone “intensive specialized training in tactical operation, human rights compliance, intelligence analysis, and rule of engagement,” and will operate strictly on credible intelligence.
“They will not be deployed on speculation or prejudice or arbitrary command,” he added.
The reform comes amid public outrage over the extrajudicial killing of a suspect in Delta State on April 26, 2026, an incident the police boss directly condemned.
“Let me be clear, that act was wrong. It was unlawful. It violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standard of the Nigerian Police Force,” he stated.
He confirmed that officers involved in the incident have been dismissed, while the case has been forwarded for prosecution.
“This matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued with full… protection,” he said, emphasizing a policy of “zero tolerance, full accountability, no exception.”
To strengthen public trust, the Inspector-General directed Commissioners of Police across the country to deepen community engagement through regular town hall meetings and open communication channels.
“When a community leader needs to reach their Commissioner of Police, that line must be open. That is what community policing looks like,” he said.
He also urged citizens to actively support security efforts, saying, “If you see something, say something. We are listening and we will act.”
The Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), he noted, remains operational 24 hours a day to handle reports of misconduct, while ongoing reforms include retraining officers on lawful use of force and professional conduct.
Addressing concerns over police accountability, he reiterated that the Force is committed to transparency and internal reforms.
“This incident does not define the Nigerian Police Force, but how we deal with it. And our response is clear,” he said.
The police leadership also disclosed that a nationwide audit of arms and operational assets is underway to improve accountability and operational readiness.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Force reported multiple arrests and recoveries in April 2026, including suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder, alongside the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
The Inspector-General acknowledged public trust challenges but maintained that reforms are ongoing, urging Nigerians to judge the Force by its actions.
“To the Nigerian people, we hear you. We are working, we are reforming, we are accountable,” he said.
