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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reinforced his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property with the commissioning of a fully equipped Police Force Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) headquarters in Lokoja.
The newly inaugurated facility, unveiled on Thursday, is designed to strengthen the state’s security architecture and enhance the operational effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in combating violent crimes and emerging security threats.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo described security as a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, emphasizing that sustainable economic growth and social progress can only flourish in a peaceful and secure environment.
He noted that the Violent Crime Response Unit has played a critical role in tackling criminal activities across Kogi State despite operating for years from a shared facility. According to him, the growing responsibilities of the unit necessitated the construction of a dedicated operational headquarters to support its expanding mandate.
“The safety of our people remains non-negotiable. This facility reflects our determination to provide security agencies with the infrastructure and resources required to effectively protect citizens and maintain law and order,” the governor stated.
Governor Ododo disclosed that the project, fully funded by the state government, consists of ten offices, detention cells, a conference room, a control room, and an uninterrupted power supply system to ensure round-the-clock operations.
To further enhance the operational capacity of the unit, he announced the deployment of four Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles, one bullet-proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles for surveillance and rapid response operations.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for security institutions and commitment to strengthening national security, noting that ongoing federal interventions have contributed positively to the country’s security landscape.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for the Nigeria Police Force, Governor Ododo said the state government remains aligned with the policing reforms championed by Olatunji Rilwan Disu. He highlighted several security interventions undertaken by his administration, including the provision of operational vehicles, communication equipment, renovation of police facilities, repairs of armoured personnel carriers, refurbishment of patrol vehicles, and welfare support for security personnel.
He urged officers of the VCRU to uphold professionalism, discipline, and courage in carrying out their responsibilities, assuring them of continued government support and collaboration.
Governor Ododo expressed confidence that the new facility and operational assets would significantly improve the unit’s capacity to prevent crime, respond swiftly to emergencies, and sustain Kogi State’s reputation as one of the safest states in the country.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, described the commissioning as a major milestone in the state’s collective efforts to strengthen public safety and combat criminality.
He explained that the Violent Crime Response Unit was established under the reform-driven policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police to tackle kidnapping, banditry, highway robbery, and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and rapid response mechanisms.
According to him, officers assigned to the unit underwent rigorous screening and professional assessments to ensure that only competent, disciplined, and dedicated personnel were selected.
The police commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for providing the facility, logistics, and operational resources that enabled the unit to commence full-scale operations.
He assured residents that the VCRU would carry out its duties within the confines of the law, uphold fundamental human rights, and work closely with other security agencies and community stakeholders to enhance safety across the state.
Kankarofi also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that effective security requires active collaboration between government and citizens.
In a goodwill message, Kogi State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, commended Governor Ododo’s sustained investments in security, noting that the state has recorded notable successes in its fight against criminal elements.
He assured residents that the government remains determined to eliminate the few criminal elements still attempting to disrupt peace and stability in the state.
Omodara further praised the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies for their professionalism, dedication, and strong partnership with the government in maintaining peace and security across Kogi State.
The commissioning of the VCRU headquarters marks another significant step in Kogi State’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and consolidate the gains recorded in the ongoing campaign against crime and insecurity.
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