Police Dissolve Tactical Squads In Cross River

The Cross River State Police Command has launched the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), replacing all existing tactical teams in the state in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police.

Speaking at the inauguration of the VCRU squad on Friday at the Police Headquarters in Calabar, the state Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, announced the dissolution of the Rapid Response Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Anti-Cultism Squad.

“I hereby announce the dissolution of all these hitherto existing Squads in the command and announce the establishment of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU),” he said.

The move, he explained, aligns with IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s commitment “to the transformation of the Nigeria Police Force to an institution that Nigerians can trust, respect and rely upon for their safety.”

The new unit will focus on intelligence-led policing and rapid response to kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other violent crimes across the state.

CP Afegbua stated that the VCRU squad is designed “to provide swift, intelligence-led, and professional responses” and will operate with sectors covering the North Axis (Ikom/Ogoja) and Central Axis (Akamkpa/Ugep), with headquarters at the State Command Headquarters, Calabar.

CSP Titus Udofia was appointed as Commander of the VCRU after a screening and training exercise supervised by the Commissioner and the Command Management Team.

Udofia, who enlisted in the Force on February 1, 2005, has served in multiple strategic roles including Unit Commander 32 PMF Abakaliki, ADC to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Commander Quick Response Squad Akwa Ibom, and Commander Rapid Response Squad Cross River State.

Personnel selected for the unit were profiled and vetted by a Screening Team chaired by DCP Abubakar Arugungu Ibrahim and trained on human rights, constitutional rights under the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and UN principles on the use of force.

“They are rooted in community trust from the outset and be accountable to the public,” Afegbua said, stressing that unlawful stop-and-search, harassment, profiling and extortion are strictly prohibited.

Outlining the operational framework, the CP said all VCRU operations shall be intelligence-driven and require documented, credible intelligence authorised by the Commander and known to the State CP.

“Officers will wear prescribed uniforms with VCRU insignia during standard operations, while plain clothes and unmarked vehicles may be used only for authorised undercover assignments.

“Arrests and detention must comply fully with Section 35 of the Constitution and the ACJA 2015,” he said.

To strengthen transparency, a State Civilian Oversight Board has been established with Prince Ntui Ogar as Chairman, Remi Aduga as vice chairman, Barr. Thompson Saviour as secretary, and Comrade Emmanuel Olay as member.

The board, composed of civil society, traditional, legal, and community leaders, will “provide civilian visibility into the general conduct and community impact of the VCRU” and channel public feedback to the CP. It will meet bi-annually and is not a disciplinary body.

The command also appealed to the state government for funding and support to sustain facilities, equipment, vehicles, and personnel welfare.

Afegbua charged the unit to “uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights” and urged the public to support policing with timely, credible information.