The Cross River State Police Command has officially launched a new tactical security outfit known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening security operations and rebuilding public trust across the state.
The announcement was contained in a press release issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua.
According to the statement, the newly established VCRU was created in line with the reforms of the Nigeria Police Force and the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The Command disclosed that the VCRU will replace several existing tactical formations including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Anti-Cultism Squad. The new unit is expected to provide rapid, intelligence-driven, and professional responses to violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cult clashes, and other criminal activities across Cross River State.
Speaking on the development, CP Rashid Afegbua described the initiative as a major step towards modern policing anchored on professionalism, accountability, integrity, and respect for human rights.
The Commissioner of Police also announced the appointment of CSP Titus Udofia as Commander of the Unit.
According to the Command, the headquarters of the VCRU will operate from the State Command Headquarters in Calabar, while two major operational sectors have been created to cover strategic parts of the state.
The operational sectors include:
Sector 1 – North Axis covering Ikom and Ogoja
Sector 2 – Central Axis covering Akamkpa and Ugep
Police authorities further revealed that officers deployed to the Unit underwent extensive screening, vetting, and specialized training focused on intelligence-led policing, lawful use of force, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The Command stressed that unlawful stop-and-search operations, harassment, profiling, intimidation, extortion, and other forms of misconduct will not be tolerated under the new structure.
To strengthen transparency and accountability, residents were encouraged to report misconduct and security concerns through the dedicated VCRU hotline and complaints desk established at the Police Public Relations Office, State Command Headquarters, Calabar.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through professional, humane, and intelligence-driven policing while calling on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The launch of the VCRU comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Cross River State, particularly issues relating to kidnapping, cult-related violence, and armed robbery in both urban and rural communities.
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