Oyo State Police Set Up New Violent Crime Squad, Train 75 Officers
…Command says unit will operate under global policing standards
The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a specialized training programme for officers selected into the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a tactical squad created to replace former tactical teams across the country.
The training exercise was officially declared open by the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, at the 4 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Ibadan, where the selected officers are currently undergoing intensive tactical and operational drills.
According to the Police Command, the initiative is part of the ongoing reforms and strategic repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, CP Olugbenga said the creation of the VCRU is aimed at improving operational effectiveness through intelligence-led policing, professionalism, accountability, and adherence to global best practices, while ensuring respect for citizens’ rights.
He disclosed that seventy-five officers, comprising male and female personnel drawn from various divisions, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and other formations within the Command, were carefully selected for the exercise.
The Commissioner noted that the officers underwent strict administrative screening, intelligence and background checks, as well as psychological evaluations before being admitted into the programme.
According to him, the screening process was designed to ensure that only disciplined, competent, and emotionally stable personnel are entrusted with the responsibilities of the specialized unit.
The officers are expected to undergo rigorous training in advanced tactical operations, operational intelligence, violent crime response techniques, and community-based policing strategies aimed at enhancing their capacity to tackle emerging security threats in the state.
CP Olugbenga further explained that the programme would serve as both training and assessment, as participants would be subjected to written examinations, drug integrity tests, and additional psychological evaluations at the end of the exercise.
He added that only officers who demonstrate outstanding professionalism and performance would eventually be deployed into the VCRU.
Charging the officers to remain disciplined and committed throughout the training, the Police Commissioner urged them to see the opportunity as a call to greater responsibility and exemplary service.
He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and strict compliance with the rule of law in all operations of the unit.
In his remarks, the Commander-designate of the VCRU expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for the confidence reposed in the Command and the selected officers.
He assured that the personnel would justify the trust placed in them through dedication, discipline, and professionalism, while pledging that the unit would operate in line with global policing standards.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-oriented policing strategies aimed at strengthening public confidence and internal security.
