The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has announced a major operational reform in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) with the creation and nationwide deployment of Violent Crime Response Units.
Lazeera News reports that the new units will replace the Special Weapons and Tactics teams across the country.
Disu disclosed this on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with Commissioners of Police and senior officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He said the VCRUs would operate across the 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory.
The IGP explained that the units, which evolved from the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad structure, would operate under the direct supervision of state Commissioners of Police.
According to him, the commissioners will be fully responsible for the conduct and operational outcomes of the units in their commands.
Disu said members of the VCRUs had undergone intensive training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance and rules of engagement.
He added that the units would rely strictly on credible intelligence and would not be deployed arbitrarily.
The police chief said civilian oversight would be integrated into the operations of the units to ensure transparency and accountability.
He also condemned the recent extra-judicial killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State, describing it as unlawful and a breach of professional policing standards.
Disu confirmed that the officer involved and members of his team had been dismissed, while the case had been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for further action.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force under my leadership has zero tolerance for extra-judicial actions. Accountability will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”
IGP Orders Arms Audit
On community policing, Disu directed Commissioners of Police to regularly engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and other community stakeholders to build trust and improve intelligence gathering.
He also ordered commissioners to make their contact details available to community leaders to strengthen communication channels.
As part of broader reforms, the IGP directed an immediate and comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition across all commands.
He described the audit as a critical step toward preventing misuse and improving operational readiness.
Highlighting recent achievements, Disu said the Force arrested 28 suspected terrorists, 85 kidnapping suspects, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects and 54 persons linked to cultism in April 2026.
He added that 189 kidnapped victims were rescued nationwide within the same period.
According to him, police operations also led to the recovery of 140 assorted firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition and 37 stolen vehicles.
Disu urged officers to uphold professionalism and integrity, assuring Nigerians that the Force remained committed to rebuilding public trust and ensuring safety across the country.
