Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has inaugurated a Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, as part of efforts to enhance security and combat violent crimes across the state.

The inauguration, which took place on Thursday, marks a significant step in the state government’s ongoing drive to strengthen its security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.

In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the establishment of the unit reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

According to Fanwo, the VCRU is designed to improve the capacity of the police to respond swiftly to incidents of violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, and other security threats. He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy of supporting security agencies through enhanced logistics, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s determination to maintain Kogi’s status as one of the safer states in the country. He stressed that security remains a top priority of his government and pledged continued support for security agencies operating within the state.

The governor also called on residents to cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and aid ongoing security operations.

The creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit comes amid growing concerns over security challenges in parts of the country, including incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes. State governments have increasingly partnered with federal security agencies to strengthen local security frameworks and improve response capabilities.

Security stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a proactive measure that could enhance crime prevention and law enforcement efforts across Kogi State.

Authorities expressed optimism that the new unit would bolster public confidence in security institutions and contribute to maintaining peace and stability throughout the state.