The Federal Capital Territory Police Command launched a special Violent Crime Response Unit on Monday. This new team will focus on fighting kidnapping, armed robbery, violent attacks, and other serious crimes in Abuja and nearby areas.
At the inauguration, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Ahmed Sanusi, said the unit was formed following orders from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. This move aims to improve police operations and keep the public safe.
CP Ahmed Sanusi and Brig. Gen. A. Onasanya, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, inspected the new Violent Crime Response Unit. Credit: Solomon Odeniyi.
Sanusi noted that the creation of this unit shows the Nigeria Police Force's dedication to tackling new security challenges and improving their response.
"The Violent Crime Response Unit is a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police to fight violent crime and boost police effectiveness across the country," he said.
He explained that the unit is divided into five operational sectors. This setup will allow better coverage, faster response times, improved intelligence gathering, and effective crime-fighting in the FCT.
"This sectoral structure is meant to ensure that no area is left unprotected and that police services are proactive, visible, and responsive," he added.
Sanusi mentioned that officers in the unit were carefully chosen and trained based on their skills, discipline, and ability to handle tough situations.
"The officers in this unit have been carefully selected, thoroughly screened, and rigorously trained for this job. Their selection was not random. It was based on their skills, discipline, and ability to perform well under pressure," he said.
He urged members of the unit to maintain professionalism and respect for human rights while doing their jobs. He warned that any misconduct would not be accepted.
"You must act with the highest level of professionalism, discipline, restraint, and integrity. You are expected to follow the law, police rules, human rights, and accepted policing standards.
"Let me be clear: no form of misconduct, abuse of power, intimidation, harassment, extortion, or wrongful use of authority will be tolerated under any condition," he said.
Sanusi also asked residents to help security agencies by providing timely information. He stressed that effective security needs teamwork between law enforcement and the community.
"Security cannot succeed with only the efforts of security agencies. Lasting security can only come from working together, collaborating, and building trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve," he said.
Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, the Guards Brigade Commander, praised the new unit and encouraged its members to prove they deserve the trust placed in them.
"I know the CP worked hard to ensure that your training was top-notch. To whom much is given, much is expected. You must show that you are worthy of that trust," he said.
Onasanya described the unit as a boost for security and expressed confidence that it would greatly improve safety in the FCT.
"This unit has been created to enhance security, and the FCT must feel your impact. Go out there and show what you can do," he urged.
He assured police of the military’s ongoing support, noting that soldiers are deployed across the FCT, including local councils, to assist in security operations.
"We are always here to provide the necessary support. We have set up communication links and will improve them to ensure our operations yield positive results," he said.
During the event, the FCT Police Command also gave a special commendation award to CSP Mustafa Mohammed, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. This award was for his bravery during a key anti-kidnapping operation in the Bwari area of the FCT on June 5, 2026.
While presenting the award, Onasanya praised Mohammed as a reliable officer who significantly contributes to joint security efforts.
"This is a very dependable officer. Call him any time, and he will respond," he said.
The traditional rulers also showed support for the new unit. Delivering a message on behalf of the FCT Council of Chiefs, the Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa, said the new unit is a timely response to rising security issues.
"The establishment of the VCRU is not just an addition to the security system in the Territory; it is a bold and timely step that violent crime will not be allowed to exist in our communities," he said.
The traditional leader promised that community leaders would keep cooperating with the police in gathering intelligence and fighting crime in the area.
On May 6, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police announced the formation of the Violent Crime Response Unit as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force. This special unit was created to help police respond quickly to violent crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery while improving intelligence and operational effectiveness across the nation.
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