The Yobe State Police Command has officially launched a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) aimed at strengthening proactive policing and curbing criminal activities within the state. This new unit was inaugurated by the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, as part of a broader strategic initiative by the Inspector-General of Police to enhance rapid response to violent crimes across Nigeria.
VCRU Inauguration and Objectives
During the inauguration ceremony, Commissioner of Police Usman Kanfani emphasized that the establishment of the VCRU underscores the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The unit is designed to address emerging security challenges through intelligence-led policing and strategic operations. Specifically, the VCRU will serve as a specialized tactical unit dedicated to combating armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, culpable homicide, youth restiveness, hooliganism, drug and substance abuse, and other violent offenses within Yobe State and neighboring areas.
Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, expressed satisfaction with the creation of the VCRU and called on communities to support the initiative. He noted that the unit would play a crucial role in tackling youth restiveness, hooliganism, and drug abuse across the state. Gubana also assured the command of the state government's continued support for ensuring the security of lives and property. He urged personnel trained in standard operational practices to apply their expertise professionally while respecting and upholding the fundamental human rights of citizens.
The commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support in strengthening operational capacity and improving policing architecture nationwide. The Yobe State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to professionalism, public safety, protection of human rights, and maintaining a peaceful environment in the state.
Ogun Police Debunk Bandit Attack Rumors
In a separate development, the Ogun State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that bandits attacked schools and communities in the Ota and Ifo areas. The command also dismissed claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota, assuring residents that the state remains safe and secure.
Spokesperson for the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, issued a statement clarifying that there have been no bandit attacks, kidnapping incidents, terrorist activities, or any form of security breach anywhere in the state. He specifically mentioned that schools and communities, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko axis, Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and surrounding communities, were not attacked by bandits.
Following the circulation of the unverified reports, police operatives from the affected divisions were deployed to conduct on-the-spot assessments, verification, and confidence-building patrols to prevent panic and reassure residents. The command's School Protection Squad, in collaboration with Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas, also carried out security assessments of the referenced schools. These assessments confirmed that all schools are safe, secure, and fully operational, with academic activities continuing without disruption.
Babaseyi expressed concern over the tension caused by the spread of unverified information and urged residents to avoid circulating misleading reports that could create fear and anxiety within communities. He noted that findings from coordinated assessments across the affected areas showed that normal academic, commercial, and social activities are ongoing peacefully, with no threat to lives or property. The spokesperson commended residents for their vigilance and cooperation with security agencies, assuring that police personnel remain fully deployed across the state with sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and proactive security measures.
Residents of Ota, Ifo, Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, and adjoining communities are advised to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. The public is urged to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing.
