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Emir to lead board to oversee the unit
From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command has launched a specialised unit to tackle violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery, as part of a renewed strategy to strengthen security operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Umar Ahmed Chuso disclosed that the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) is designed to operate as a proactive and intelligence-driven force, specifically mandated to respond swiftly to cases of kidnapping, robbery, and other related offences.
According to him, the initiative aligns with reforms introduced by the Inspector General of Police to address prevailing security challenges nationwide, particularly the rising threat of violent crimes.
He explained that while similar units existed in the past, the current model has been restructured to be more robust, coordinated, and responsive to emerging threats.
As part of measures to ensure accountability and public trust, the command has also constituted an oversight board chaired by the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, with membership drawn from various segments of society.
The Commissioner noted that the board would provide independent feedback on the unit’s operations, leveraging its diverse composition to enhance transparency and community engagement.
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“The composition of the board cuts across all strata of society, and we expect to receive objective feedback based on their observations of the unit’s performance,” he said.
He further clarified that the VCRU has a clearly defined operational scope and is not authorised to mount roadblocks or conduct routine stop-and-search operations, a move aimed at addressing public concerns over police excesses.
“If any personnel are found engaging in such activities outside their mandate, the oversight board and members of the public are expected to report it,” he added.
On operational capacity, the Commissioner acknowledged existing logistics constraints but expressed confidence that the situation would improve, citing assurances from the state government that the necessary support would be provided.
“We are making use of available resources while expecting additional support from the government to fully optimise the unit’s effectiveness,” he said.
The police chief also confirmed that the unit would respond to violent incidents arising from political activities, stressing that officers have been given clear directives to act decisively and without bias.
He called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence, emphasising that the success of the unit depends largely on public cooperation.
