FCT Police launch special violent crime unit to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has inaugurated a specialised Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen efforts against kidnapping, armed robbery, violent attacks and other serious crimes across Abuja and its satellite communities.

Ahmed Sanusi, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, said the unit was established on the directive of Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and improving public safety nationwide.

Sanusi described the VCRU as a specialised intervention unit designed to confront violent crimes proactively and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s response capabilities in the face of evolving security threats.

“The Violent Crime Response Unit is a specialised intervention unit established by the Inspector-General of Police as part of efforts aimed at confronting violent crime and strengthening operational effectiveness across commands nationwide,” he said.

The police commissioner disclosed that the unit had been strategically divided into five operational sectors.

According to him, the structure is expected to guarantee wider surveillance, faster emergency response, improved intelligence gathering and more coordinated crime-fighting operations.

“This sectoral structure is designed to ensure that no area is left vulnerable and that policing services remain proactive, visible and responsive,” Sanusi stated.

He noted that officers deployed to the unit were carefully selected after undergoing extensive screening and specialised training to prepare them for the demands of combating violent crimes.

“The officers and men making up this unit have been carefully selected, thoroughly screened and rigorously trained for this assignment.

“Their selection was not accidental. It was based on competence, discipline, operational capacity and the ability to function effectively under demanding circumstances,” he said.

Sanusi charged the personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.

He warned against any form of abuse of power, intimidation, extortion or misconduct, stressing that the command would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public confidence in the police.

“You must conduct yourself with the highest level of professionalism, discipline, restraint and integrity.

“You are expected to operate in accordance with established laws, police regulations, human rights principles and globally accepted policing standards.

“Let me state clearly that no form of misconduct, abuse of authority, intimidation, harassment, extortion or extrajudicial use of power will be tolerated under any circumstance”, he said.

The commissioner also called on residents of the FCT to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that effective security requires strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities.

“Security cannot succeed through the effort of security agencies alone. Sustained security can only be achieved through collective action, collaboration and mutual trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities we serve,” he added.

In his remarks, Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, commended the initiative and urged members of the newly established unit to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary performance.

“I am aware of the efforts that the CP put in to ensure that your training was top-notch. To whom much is given, much is expected. You must justify that confidence that he has in you,” he said.

Onasanya described the VCRU as a force multiplier capable of significantly boosting security operations across the FCT and charged the personnel to demonstrate their capacity in tackling criminal elements.

“He has created this unit to serve as force multipliers and the FCT must feel your impact. Go out there and show them the stuff of which you are made of,” he said.

The brigade commander further assured the police command of the military’s continued support, noting that military personnel had already been deployed across Abuja and the area councils to complement ongoing security operations.

“We are always here to provide the necessary support and backing. We have established communication links and we are going to improve on it to ensure that our operations yield very positive results,” he stated.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a special commendation award to Mustafa Mohammed, Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in recognition of his bravery during a high-risk anti-kidnapping operation carried out in the Bwari area of the FCT on June 5, 2026.

Presenting the award, Onasanya praised Mohammed’s commitment to duty and his contributions to joint security operations.

“This is a very reliable officer. Call him any time, day or night, and you can be sure he will respond,” he said.

In a goodwill message on behalf of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Adamu Yunusa, Ona of Abaji, described the establishment of the VCRU as a timely and decisive response to growing security concerns within the territory.

“The establishment of the VCRU is not merely an addition to the security architecture of the Territory; it is a bold and timely declaration that violent crime will no longer find a foothold in our communities,” he said.

The traditional ruler pledged continued cooperation from community leaders in intelligence gathering and other efforts aimed at curbing criminal activities across the FCT.