RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
The Rivers State Police Command has launched a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against violent crime and promote public accountability in policing.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the initiative during the official inauguration, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies in protecting lives and property across the state.
Adepoju explained that the establishment of the unit followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police and was intended to enhance the command’s capacity to respond to serious criminal activities.
He emphasised that effective policing requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
The police commissioner urged residents to regard the newly established unit as a partner in maintaining public safety, stressing that timely information and community cooperation would support crime prevention and investigation.
He also highlighted the importance of public confidence in policing, noting that the Civilian Oversight Board would provide an additional platform for community participation and accountability.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of the VCRU, Julian Wealth, said the unit was established to provide specialised responses to violent crimes and other critical security incidents.
Wealth explained that personnel assigned to the unit had undergone specialised training in tactical operations, hostage rescue and emergency response.
According to the commander, the training was designed to strengthen operational readiness and improve the handling of serious security threats.
The chairman of the occasion, Engr. Grant Offor, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive development for security management in Rivers State.
Offor expressed optimism that the unit would contribute to improved public safety, community confidence and sustainable development.
The inauguration of the Civilian Oversight Board is also expected to encourage greater public involvement in policing and provide a framework for engagement between residents and security authorities.
The police command maintained that cooperation, intelligence sharing and effective community relations would remain essential to the success of the new unit.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen the command’s response to violent crime while promoting accountability and public participation in security operations across Rivers State.
