By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, has announced a major operational reform in the Nigeria Police Force with the creation and nationwide deployment of Violent Crime Response Units (VCRUs) to replace the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams.
Disu disclosed this on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with Commissioners of Police and senior officers at the Force Headquarters.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
He explained that the new units, which evolved from the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) structure, would operate across all 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory under the direct supervision of state Commissioners of Police, who will bear full responsibility for their conduct and operational outcomes.
According to the IGP, the VCRUs have undergone intensive training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance, and rules of engagement. He emphasised that the units would rely strictly on credible intelligence and would not be deployed arbitrarily.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
A key feature of the reform is the integration of civilian oversight into the operations of the units to ensure transparency and accountability.
Disu also used the occasion to condemn the recent extra-judicial killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State, describing the act as unlawful and a violation of professional policing standards. He confirmed that the officer involved and members of his team had been dismissed, while the case has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for further action.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
“The Nigeria Police Force under my leadership has zero tolerance for extra-judicial actions. Accountability will be pursued to its logical conclusion,” he stated.
On community policing, the IGP directed Commissioners to engage regularly with community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups, to build trust and enhance intelligence gathering. He also ordered that Commissioners make their contact details accessible to community leaders to strengthen communication channels.
Check out – Discover How to work and Earn with Dailyhustle
As part of broader reforms, Disu mandated an immediate and comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition across all commands, describing it as a critical step toward preventing misuse and improving operational readiness.
Highlighting recent achievements, the police chief revealed that in April 2026 alone, the Force arrested 28 suspected terrorists, 85 kidnapping suspects, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, and 54 individuals linked to cultism. He added that 189 kidnapped victims were rescued nationwide within the same period.
Manage Your Business Digitally With D-Degree Digital Hub Today Visit D-Degree Digital Hub
Additionally, police operations led to the recovery of 140 assorted firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles.
Reaffirming his commitment to reform, Disu urged officers to uphold professionalism and integrity, while assuring Nigerians of the Force’s resolve to rebuild public trust and ensure safety across the country.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DD NewsOnline