Kwara Police Launches Violent Crime Response Unit

Kwara State Police Command officially launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on Friday.

The ceremony, held at the police officers’ mess in Ilorin, concluded a two‑day capacity‑building programme for the unit’s officers. The launch aligns with Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Disu’s mandate to strengthen intelligence‑led responses to violent crimes and to deepen community‑oriented policing.

State Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi formally appointed members of the Civilian Oversight Board and inaugurated the VCRU operational team, which will be based at A Division in Ilorin.

During his address, the Commissioner explained that the unit will focus on armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent offences through intelligence‑driven operations. He emphasized the importance of protecting lives and property, strictly following the law and human‑rights standards, building community trust, and maintaining public accountability in all activities.

The programme included security‑awareness lectures such as “Public Safety and Security of the State,” delivered by AIG Ishola Babatunde Baba‑Ita (Rtd), and “Trust, Cooperation and Active Participation of Stakeholders in Securing Our Communities,” presented by SP Barrister A.M. Iwalaiye (Rtd).

Key stakeholders, including Senior Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Security Alhaji Aliyu Muyideen, traditional rulers, youth representatives, market leaders, transport union representatives, and special vigilante groups, delivered goodwill messages.

An interactive session followed, allowing participants to raise questions, lodge complaints, and offer suggestions aimed at strengthening police‑community partnerships and enhancing public safety throughout the state.

In a statement, spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.