The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, has inaugurated the renovated operational base of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), with a firm warning to officers against harassment, intimidation, and violation of citizens’ rights.
Speaking at the inauguration held at Otto, Ijora, on Thursday, Tijani said the VCRU was established to combat violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations, rapid response, and enhanced public safety, not to oppress members of the public.
“The VCRU is not a unit of harassment, intimidation or unlawful conduct. Every officer must carry out his or her duties with discipline, professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens,” he said.
The police boss stressed that any officer found guilty of misconduct or rights violations would face strict disciplinary action, reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct.
He noted that effective policing depends largely on intelligence gathering and collaboration with the public, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
Tijani described security as a collective responsibility and called on Lagosians to view the police as partners in maintaining peace and safety across the state.
He explained that the VCRU is a strategic initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening proactive measures against violent crimes nationwide.
The Commissioner also commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, for their sustained support, including the provision of tactical vehicles and operational equipment to boost policing capacity.
According to him, such support has significantly enhanced the Command’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging security threats.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, described Lagos as one of the safest states in the country, attributing the achievement to sustained investment in security infrastructure and strong collaboration among stakeholders.
Ogunsan announced the donation of seven tactical vehicles and additional operational assets to the VCRU, as well as over 1,200 raincoats and other equipment to improve officers’ welfare and operational efficiency.
He urged residents and the private sector to continue supporting the Trust Fund through donations, emphasising that collective effort remains key to sustaining security gains in the state.
Earlier, the Officer in Charge of the VCRU, CSP Oyin Oremosu, assured residents that the unit would operate with integrity, discipline, and professionalism while upholding the rule of law.
Oremosu stated that the unit would focus on intelligence-led policing, prompt response, and thorough investigations, noting that its success would depend on continued public cooperation.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Olalekan Adigun, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic move to tackle violent crime.
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He urged VCRU officers to protect residents, particularly young people, rather than harass or victimise them, while pledging the support of the youth body in strengthening community-police relations.
The event featured the formal presentation of seven tactical vehicles and other operational equipment to the VCRU to enhance its crime-fighting capacity.
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