By Sylvia Akpan
As part of ways to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state, the Cross River State Police Command has officially launched a new tactical outfit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state.
In a statement e-signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah Akata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and made available to the public, the initiative is set to align with the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force and the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to the Command, the newly established VCRU will replace existing tactical formations including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Anti-Cultism Squad. The Unit is expected deliver swift, intelligence-driven, and professional responses to violent crimes within the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid B. Afegbua, described the development as a strategic move toward modern, accountable, and community-oriented policing anchored on professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights.
As part of the restructuring, the Commissioner appointed Titus Udofia as Commander of the Unit. The VCRU headquarters will operate from the State Command Headquarters in Calabar, while two operational sectors have been created to cover the northern and central parts of the state.
Sector One will oversee the Ikom and Ogoja axes, while Sector Two will cover Akamkpa and Ugep areas.
The Police Command disclosed that officers deployed to the Unit underwent extensive screening, vetting, and specialized training focused on intelligence-led policing, lawful use of force, and protection of citizens’ rights.
He also stressed that unlawful stop-and-search operations, harassment, profiling, extortion, and other forms of misconduct would not be tolerated under the new structure.
To promote transparency and accountability, the Command also unveiled a dedicated complaints mechanism through the hotline (08137083052) and the Police Public Relations Office at the State Command Headquarters in Calabar.
The Police urged residents of the state to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and public safety.
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