The Lagos State Police Command has strengthened its campaign against violent crime with the commissioning of the newly renovated Operational Base of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at Ijora Olopa, alongside the donation of operational vehicles and equipment to enhance rapid response policing across the state.
The facility was commissioned by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, alongside the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan, as part of efforts to improve intelligence-led policing and strengthen public safety.
During the event, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund donated seven fully equipped tactical vehicles to the VCRU, in addition to 1,000 operational boots and 1,200 raincoats for officers of the Lagos State Police Command. Dr. Ogunsan also announced the donation of a brand-new power generator to support the unit’s operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ogunsan reaffirmed the state’s commitment to security, declaring that Lagos remains the safest state in Nigeria due to sustained investment by the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the collaborative efforts of security agencies, the private sector and residents.
According to him, the state government has made security a collective responsibility by consistently supporting law enforcement agencies with logistics, infrastructure and operational resources.
“Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria today. We are unmatched, unparalleled and unequal,” he said, assuring the newly established VCRU of continued financial and logistical support.
He also urged residents to disregard misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic, stressing that Lagos remains peaceful and secure. He encouraged members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious activities.
Ogunsan further appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and community groups to sustain donations to the LSSTF, explaining that the agency relies solely on voluntary contributions to support security operations across the state.
Earlier, CP Tijani described the Violent Crime Response Unit as a strategic initiative of the Inspector-General of Police designed to tackle violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations and swift tactical response.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF for their unwavering support, describing the Trust Fund as a dependable partner in strengthening policing capacity in Lagos.
The police commissioner charged officers of the VCRU to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens’ rights while carrying out their responsibilities.
Officer-in-Charge of the VCRU, Oyindamola Oremosu, assured residents that officers of the unit would operate with integrity, courage and strict adherence to the rule of law, while calling on the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
Members of the newly inaugurated civilian oversight board also commended the initiative, describing it as a major step towards promoting transparency, accountability and community participation in policing.
Among those who spoke were Segun Awosanya, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Olalekan Ibrahim Adigun, and Lagos State Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Kehinde A. Showemimo, all of whom applauded the collaboration between the police, government and the public.
Traditional leaders, including representatives of Abdulfatai Aromire and Tomori Williams, also pledged continued community support for the unit, describing its location at Ijora as strategic to securing both the Lagos Mainland and Island corridors.
The commissioning of the renovated operational base and the presentation of tactical assets underscored Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening security through continuous investment, innovation and collaboration. Stakeholders expressed confidence that the enhanced operational capacity of the VCRU would further improve the fight against violent crime and reinforce public confidence in the state’s security architecture.