The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has commenced a specialized training programme for officers selected into the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a tactical squad created to strengthen intelligence-driven policing and combat violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, declared the training exercise open on Monday, describing the initiative as part of ongoing reforms and strategic repositioning of the police under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to the police boss, the VCRU was introduced to replace the former tactical teams across the country with a focus on professionalism, accountability, operational effectiveness and respect for citizens’ rights.
He disclosed that 75 officers, comprising male and female personnel drawn from divisions, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and other formations within the command, were carefully selected for the exercise.
Olugbenga explained that the officers underwent extensive administrative screening, intelligence and background checks as well as psychological evaluations before being admitted for the training.
The selected personnel are currently undergoing intensive tactical training at the 4 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Ibadan, where they are being exposed to advanced operational drills, crime response techniques, intelligence gathering and community policing strategies.
The commissioner stated that the exercise would serve as both physical and mental assessment for the participants, adding that only officers who demonstrate professionalism, competence and discipline would eventually become members of the specialized unit.
“Participants will undergo written examinations, drug integrity tests and further psychological evaluations before final selection into the unit,” he said.
He charged the officers to remain disciplined, focused and committed throughout the training period, urging them to see the opportunity as a call to higher responsibility and exemplary service.
Olugbenga also reiterated the command’s commitment to rule of law, professionalism and respect for human rights, noting that the operations of the VCRU would align with internationally accepted policing standards.
In his remarks, the commander-designate of the unit appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for the confidence reposed in the command and pledged that the officers would justify the trust through dedication, discipline and professionalism.
The Oyo State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive, intelligence-led and community-based policing strategies aimed at improving public safety and strengthening internal security across the state.
