By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Police Command has launched a new Violent Crime Response Unit as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, is in line with ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force and the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, as directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to the Command, the newly established unit replaces existing tactical formations including the Rapid Response Squad, Anti Kidnapping Squad, and Anti Cultism Squad.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, described the creation of the unit as a strategic move aimed at promoting modern, accountable, and community oriented policing built on professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights.
He explained that the unit would provide swift, intelligence driven, and professional responses to violent crimes across the state.
The Police Command announced the appointment of CSP Titus Udofia as Commander of the unit.
The headquarters of the Violent Crime Response Unit is located at the State Command Headquarters in Calabar, with two operational sectors established to cover key areas of the state. Sector One will oversee the Northern Axis covering Ikom and Ogoja, while Sector Two will cover the Central Axis including Akamkpa and Ugep.
The Command disclosed that officers deployed to the unit underwent rigorous screening, vetting, and specialised training in intelligence based operations, lawful use of force, and protection of citizens’ rights.
It stressed that unlawful stop and search operations, harassment, profiling, extortion, and other forms of unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated.
To promote transparency and accountability, the Command also established a dedicated complaints mechanism for members of the public through a hotline and the Police Public Relations Office at the State Command Headquarters in Calabar.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through professional, humane, intelligence driven, and accountable policing, while urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command.