The Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, has announced the introduction of the Violent Crime Response Units (VCRUs), which will replace the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams nationwide.
He made the announcement on Tuesday during an emergency briefing with Commissioners of Police and senior officers at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to him, the new units will be deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The IGP explained that the VCRUs evolved from the structure of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and will operate under the direct supervision of state Commissioners of Police, who will be fully accountable for their activities and outcomes.
He noted that officers assigned to the units have undergone specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance, and rules of engagement.
Their deployment, he added, will be strictly guided by credible intelligence.
As part of measures to improve transparency, the reform introduces civilian oversight into the operations of the units.
The police chief also condemned the recent killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State, describing it as unlawful.
He confirmed that the officers involved have been dismissed and that the case has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal action.
Reaffirming the Force’s stance against misconduct, he stressed that extra-judicial actions would not be tolerated under his leadership.
On community policing, he directed Commissioners of Police to strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups, while also ensuring open communication channels with community stakeholders.
He further ordered a nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all police commands to curb misuse and improve operational control.
The IGP reiterated the commitment of the police to internal reforms, improved professionalism, and rebuilding public trust in the country’s security system.
