Emmanuel lkpeama
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property with the commissioning of a fully equipped Police Force Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) headquarters in Lokoja.
The state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated on Thursday, June 4, 2026, underscores the government’s sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture and improve the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies in combating violent crimes.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo emphasized that security remains a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, noting that meaningful growth and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and safety.
He observed that the Violent Crime Response Unit has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in tackling criminal activities across the state despite operating from a shared facility over the years.
According to him, the expanding responsibilities of the Unit made it necessary to establish a modern operational headquarters capable of supporting its growing mandate.
“The safety of our people remains non-negotiable. This facility is a testament to our resolve to provide our security agencies with the tools and environment they require to effectively discharge their duties,” he stated.
Governor Ododo disclosed that the facility, fully funded by the Kogi State Government, consists of ten offices, detention cells, a conference room, a control room, and an uninterrupted power supply system designed to ensure seamless operations.
To further strengthen the Unit’s operational efficiency, the governor announced the provision of four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, one bullet-proof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles to enhance rapid response and crime-fighting capabilities.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for security agencies and commitment to strengthening national security, noting that the President’s leadership continues to yield positive results across the country’s security landscape.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s support for the Nigeria Police Force in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He highlighted the state’s consistent investments in security through the provision of operational vehicles, communication gadgets, renovation of police formations, repair of armoured personnel carriers, refurbishment of patrol vans, and welfare support for security personnel.
Charging officers of the VCRU to remain professional, disciplined, and courageous in the discharge of their duties, Governor Ododo assured the Nigeria Police Force of continued collaboration and support from the state government.
He expressed confidence that the newly commissioned headquarters and operational assets would significantly enhance the Unit’s ability to prevent crime, respond swiftly to emergencies, and sustain Kogi State’s reputation as one of the safest states in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement in the state’s collective efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.
He explained that the VCRU was established under the reform-driven policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police to tackle emerging security threats such as kidnapping, banditry, highway robbery, and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and rapid response strategies.
According to him, personnel deployed to the Unit underwent rigorous screening and professional assessments to ensure that only highly competent, disciplined, and dedicated officers were selected.
CP Kankarofi expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ododo for providing the facility, logistics, and operational resources that made the full take-off of the Unit possible.
He assured residents that the VCRU would operate within the confines of the law, uphold human rights, and collaborate closely with other security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen public safety across the state.
The Police Commissioner also called on citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility between government and the people.
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment to security, noting that Kogi State has recorded significant successes in the fight against criminality.
He assured residents that the government remains determined to flush out the remaining criminal elements threatening peace in the state, adding that their days are numbered.
Commander Omodara also praised the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and continued partnership with the government in ensuring lasting peace and security across the state.