The Cross River State Police Command has announced a sweeping reform of its tactical operations with the establishment of a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) and the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Titus Udofia as its pioneer Commander.
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid B. Afegbua, disclosed this in Calabar on Friday, explaining that the development is in compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, mandating the dissolution of existing tactical squads across the country.
Consequently, units such as the Rapid Response Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Anti-Cultism Squad in the state have been disbanded and replaced with the VCRU, a centralized, intelligence-driven unit designed to respond swiftly to violent crimes and emerging security threats.
The CP said the reform is part of broader efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a more transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused institution.
According to him, personnel of the VCRU were carefully selected through a rigorous profiling and vetting process supervised by a screening team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Abubakar Arugungu Ibrahim. He added that the unit has been strategically structured to operate across the three senatorial zones of the state for effective coverage.
Udofia, who enlisted in the Force in 2005, was appointed Commander of the unit following the screening and training exercise conducted under the supervision of the Command’s management team. He brings extensive field and protective policing experience, having served in several key roles, including Unit Commander of 32 Police Mobile Force, Abakaliki, where he led operations in Borno and Plateau States.
His career profile also includes serving as Aide-De-Camp to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Commander of the Quick Response Squad in Akwa Ibom, Commander of Special Protection Unit Base 27 in Onna, Chief Security Officer to the Governor, and Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Cross River State.
To ensure professionalism and rights-based policing, the Commissioner disclosed that members of the VCRU underwent specialized training at Pyramid Hotel, focusing on human rights, constitutional provisions, and global best practices. The training emphasized compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
Outlining the operational framework, the CP stressed that all VCRU operations will be strictly intelligence-driven, with no room for random or appearance-based actions. He noted that arrests and detention procedures must fully comply with constitutional provisions and due process.
In a further push for transparency and community engagement, the Command announced the establishment of a State Civilian Oversight Board, chaired by Prince Ntui Ogar, with membership drawn from civil society, the legal profession, and traditional institutions. The board is expected to provide independent feedback, promote accountability, and strengthen public confidence in the unit.
“The Board will serve as a bridge between the Police and the public, ensuring that the VCRU remains accountable while fostering trust,” the CP said, adding that it will meet twice yearly and submit reports to the Command.
The Police Command also revealed plans to collaborate with the Cross River State Government to secure funding, logistics, and welfare support necessary for the effective operation of the unit.
While charging the newly appointed Commander and personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights, the CP assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
Members of the public can reach the VCRU Commander through the dedicated emergency lines: 08065312444 and 08026673737.
By Kingsley Agim
