By Richard Elesho
The Kogi State Police Command has restated commitment to partnering with other security agencies and renewed its call for intelligence sharing from members of the public in order to curtail crime.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Nazir Bello Kankaroffi, made the call in Lokoja on Thursday at the inauguration and operational launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the command. The facility was constructed by the state government.
Kankaroffi listed complex security challenges like armed banditry, highway attacks, and other violent crimes as things that informed the creation of the unit; noting that “these threats require a responsive, intelligence-driven, and coordinated operational structure capable of swift intervention.”
He explained that the unit is operational in nature, will have a special uniform, and charged the officers on discipline, integrity, and professionalism. “The use of force must remain lawful, proportionate, and guided strictly by established rules of engagement and extant laws. proportionate, and guided strictly by established rules of engagement and extant laws…
“I also emphasize that effective synergy with sister security agencies remains central to modern policing. Intelligence sharing is equally critical in this regard. I therefore urge stakeholders and members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, as security is a collective responsibility.
“To our royal fathers, community leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, your partnership remains indispensable in sustaining peace and strengthening grassroots security structures.
“As we formally launch this Unit today, I assure the good people of Kogi State that the VCRU will operate within the ambit of the law, uphold professionalism, respect human rights, and remain committed to protecting lives and property.”
Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by his deputy, Joel Oyinbo while commissioning the initiative, said security of lives and property remain the top priority of his administration.
