Lagos Police Commission New VCRU Base as LSSTF Donates Seven Tactical Vehicles, 2,200 Operational Kits
The Lagos State Police Command has strengthened its fight against violent crime with the commissioning of the newly renovated Operational Base of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at Ijora Olopa, as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) donated seven tactical vehicles, 1,000 operational boots and 1,200 raincoats to enhance policing across the state.
The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday commissioned the newly renovated Operational Base of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at Ijora Olopa, marking another step in the state's efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve rapid response to violent crime.
The commissioning ceremony, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, also featured the donation of seven fully equipped tactical vehicles to the VCRU as well as 1,000 operational boots and 1,200 raincoats for officers of the Lagos State Police Command.
The VCRU, an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, is designed to provide rapid tactical response to violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated enforcement.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogunsan described Lagos as the safest state in Nigeria, attributing the achievement to the sustained commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to security and the collaboration among government, security agencies, the private sector and residents.
He said security had become a collective responsibility in Lagos, adding that the state would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving public safety.
"Our soil is fertile for innovative security ideas. Once you plant such ideas in Lagos, they will grow. We will continue to fund and support the VCRU," Ogunsan said.
In addition to the operational vehicles, he announced the donation of a brand-new power generator to the unit to improve its operational capacity.
Ogunsan also urged Lagos residents to disregard misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic, insisting that the state remains safe and secure. He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The LSSTF boss appealed for continued financial support from individuals, corporate organisations, professional bodies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders, noting that the Trust Fund relies on voluntary donations to provide logistics and equipment for security agencies.
Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF for their consistent investment in policing infrastructure and logistics.
He described the VCRU as a strategic initiative established by the Inspector-General of Police to improve the command's ability to combat violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
"The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has remained a dependable partner in our collective pursuit of a safer and more secure Lagos," he said.
The police commissioner reminded officers of the new unit to operate professionally and respect the rights of law-abiding citizens.
"The VCRU was created to respond swiftly and professionally to violent crimes, not as a unit for harassment, intimidation or abuse of citizens," he stated.
Officer-in-Charge of the VCRU, CSP Oyindamola Oremosu, assured residents that officers of the unit would carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and respect for the rule of law while encouraging members of the public to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies.
Members of the newly inaugurated civilian oversight board also pledged to strengthen transparency and accountability in the operations of the unit.
Among them were Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, human rights advocate Dr. Segun Awosanya (Segalink), Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Engr. Olalekan Adigun, and Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Lagos, Apostle Kehinde A. Showemimo.
Dr. Awosanya described the commissioning as a significant milestone in intelligence-led policing, while Apostle Showemimo said the civilian oversight structure would improve accountability and reinforce public confidence in the police.
Engr. Adigun welcomed youth representation on the oversight board and urged officers to build trust with young people through professional conduct.
Traditional rulers, including the Oba of Ijora, represented by the Bashorun of Ijora, Chief Hakeem Ojora, and the Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland, Aare Tomori Williams, also pledged community support for the VCRU, describing its location at Ijora as strategically important to securing both the Lagos Mainland and Island corridors.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the renovated operational base and the presentation of the tactical vehicles and other operational equipment, reinforcing the state's commitment to sustained investment in security, community partnership and proactive policing.
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