08/05/2026
BREAKING NEWS: The Cross River State Police Command hereby announces the official launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in line with the ongoing reforms of 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, psc(+), NPM.
The VCRU replaces existing tactical formations including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Anti-Cultism Squad. The Unit is established to provide swift, intelligence-led, and professional responses to kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other violent crimes across the State.
3. The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, psc, mnips, described the initiative as a strategic step towards modern, accountable, and community-oriented policing rooted in professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights.
4. The Commissioner of Police has appointed CSP Titus Udofia as Commander of the Unit. The VCRU headquarters is situated at the State Command Headquarters, Calabar, with two operational sectors covering:
- Sector 1 – North Axis (Ikom/Ogoja)
- Sector 2 – Central Axis (Akamkpa/Ugep)
5. Personnel deployed to the Unit underwent rigorous screening, vetting, and training in intelligence-led operations, lawful use of force, and protection of citizens’ rights. The Command emphasizes that unlawful stop-and-search, harassment, profiling, extortion, and other unprofessional conduct are strictly prohibited.
6. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Command has established a dedicated complaints mechanism through:
Hotline: 08137083052
Complaints Desk: Police Public Relations Office, State Command Headquarters, Calabar.
7. The Cross River State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property through professional, humane, intelligence-driven, and accountable policing, and encourages members of the public to support the Police with timely and credible information