The Ondo Police Command has established a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the command’s capacity to effectively combat violent crimes and strengthen public safety in the state.
The spokesperson of the command, Abayomi Jimoh, who disclosed this in an official statement on Friday, noted that the VCRU is specifically mandated to respond swiftly and decisively to incidents of violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other threats to public peace, while upholding the principles of human rights and the rule of law.
Jimoh revealed further that the new unit is divided into three operational zones. “To ensure operational efficiency and rapid response, the unit has been strategically structured into three operational zones:
- North Zone, with its office located at Upeme axis along the Owo Expressway;
- The Central Zone, adopting the SWAT Office in Akure, will serve as the coordinating hub of the unit.
- South Zone, with its base around the Ore axis, covering the southern senatorial district.
According to the police PRO, the officers drafted to the unit have been trained and are equipped with the skills needed to perform their duties.
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“Personnel deployed to the unit were carefully selected based on proven competence, professionalism, and operational experience,” the statement read.
“They have also undergone rigorous and specialised training to equip them with the necessary skills required to effectively tackle violent crimes while maintaining the highest standards of conduct and respect for human rights.”
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, speaking on the development, described the establishment of the VCRU as “a significant milestone in strengthening operational effectiveness and restoring public confidence in policing”.
He emphasised that the unit will operate within a disciplined, accountable, and well-coordinated framework, with clearly defined roles and a strong focus on results-driven policing.
The CP restated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of violent criminal elements, urging members of the public to support the VCRU by providing timely, credible, and actionable information.