The Yobe State Police Command has unveiled a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen proactive policing and curb criminal activities in the state.

The VCRU, inaugurated by the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, is part of the Inspector-General of Police’s strategic initiative aimed at strengthening proactive policing, combating violent crimes, and enhancing rapid response to criminal activities across the country.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani, said the establishment of the unit underscored the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property, as well as addressing emerging security challenges through intelligence-led policing and strategic operations.

He explained that the VCRU would serve as a specialised tactical unit dedicated to combating armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, culpable homicide, youth restiveness, hooliganism, drug and substance abuse, and other violent-related offences within the state and neighbouring areas.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the unit and urged communities to support the initiative.

According to him, the unit would play a crucial role in tackling youth restiveness, hooliganism, drug and substance abuse, and other related vices across the state.

Gubana also assured the command of the state government’s continued support towards ensuring the security of lives and property.

He charged personnel trained in standard operational practices to apply their expertise professionally while respecting and upholding the fundamental human rights of citizens.

The commissioner equally appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support towards strengthening operational capacity and improving policing architecture across the country.

The command reassured residents of its commitment to professionalism, public safety, protection of human rights, and maintaining a peaceful environment in the state.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that bandits attacked schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo areas of the state.

The command also dismissed claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota, assuring residents that the state remains safe and secure.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement yesterday, said there had been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in the state.

He stated that schools and communities, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko axis, Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and surrounding communities, were not attacked by bandits.

Babaseyi explained that following the circulation of the reports, police operatives from the affected divisions were deployed to the areas for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and confidence-building patrols to prevent panic and reassure residents.

He added that the Command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas, also conducted security assessments of the referenced schools.

According to him, the assessments confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational, with academic activities continuing without disruption.

The spokesperson expressed concern over the tension caused by the spread of unverified information and urged residents to avoid circulating misleading reports capable of creating fear and anxiety within communities.

He said findings from coordinated assessments across the affected areas showed that normal academic, commercial, and social activities were ongoing peacefully, with no threat to lives or property.

Babaseyi commended residents for their vigilance and cooperation with security agencies, assuring that police personnel remained fully deployed across the state with sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and proactive security measures.

He advised residents of Ota, Ifo, Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, and adjoining communities to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, while urging the public to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing.