The Oyo State Police Command has launched a specialised training programme for officers selected into its newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a tactical outfit designed to replace previous tactical teams across the country.

The initiative forms part of wider reforms introduced under the leadership of the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at improving professionalism, accountability, and intelligence-driven policing within the Force.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the new unit would focus on operational effectiveness while protecting citizens’ rights.

“The creation of the VCRU is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness through intelligence-led policing, professionalism, accountability, and strict adherence to global best practices,” the police commissioner said.

According to the Command, 75 male and female officers were selected from divisions, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and other formations within the state command.

Why The New Police Unit Matters

Nigeria’s police tactical units have faced public scrutiny in recent years over allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, and poor accountability.

Security analysts say the creation of the VCRU signals an attempt by the police leadership to rebuild public trust while improving the response to violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult violence, and organised criminal activity.

The police said all selected officers underwent administrative screening, intelligence checks, psychological evaluations, and background vetting before being admitted into the programme.

Mr Olugbenga said the process was designed to ensure that “only competent, disciplined, and emotionally stable personnel” are entrusted with the responsibilities of the new unit.

The officers are currently undergoing intensive tactical training at the 4 Police Mobile Force in Ibadan.

Training activities include advanced tactical drills, operational intelligence, crime response techniques, and community-oriented policing strategies.

Final Assessments To Determine Deployment

The Commissioner of Police said the training would serve as both a learning exercise and a final selection stage.

Participants will undergo written examinations, drug integrity tests, and additional psychological evaluations before final deployment into the unit.

“Only officers who attain commendable performances and demonstrate exceptional professionalism would eventually be drafted into the Violent Crime Response Unit,” he said.

He also urged participants to remain disciplined and committed throughout the programme.

“See the opportunity as a call to higher responsibility and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force,” the CP told the trainees.

Human Rights and Accountability Concerns

The Oyo State Police Command said the activities of the VCRU would be guided strictly by the rule of law, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.

That assurance comes amid growing public demand for reforms in tactical policing across Nigeria following past controversies involving special police units.

In remarks after the ceremony, the commander-designate of the unit thanked the Inspector-General of Police for the confidence placed in the command and the selected officers.

He pledged that the team would operate “strictly in line with global best practices and the vision behind its establishment.”

Security experts say consistent oversight, transparency, and community engagement will be crucial in determining whether the new unit succeeds where previous tactical formations faced criticism.

Public Safety Contacts Released

The police command also reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive and intelligence-driven policing.

Residents were advised to contact the Oyo State emergency response lines in case of distress:

Oyo State Call Response Centre Toll-Free Line: 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

The statement was signed by police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka on 11 May 2026.

The Ogun State Police Command has announced plans to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) as part of wider efforts to combat land fraud, impersonation, and related security threats in the state.

The move followed a courtesy visit by the Ogun State branch of the professional body to the police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, where both sides discussed intelligence sharing, ethical standards, and public safety.

The delegation was led by Surveyor Abiodun Olufemi Liadi, chairman of the Ogun State branch of the institution, while Bode Ojajuni hosted the meeting.

Why the partnership matters

Land-related disputes remain one of the recurring causes of conflict in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rapidly expanding urban and semi-urban communities.

Police authorities say fraudulent land transactions, impersonation by fake surveyors, and disputes involving land ownership continue to pose risks to public peace and security.

During the meeting, Surveyor Liadi said the institution had developed a directory containing details of all registered surveyors operating in Ogun State to help authorities identify legitimate practitioners.

According to him, the initiative is intended to reduce cases of impersonation and fraudulent practices within the profession.

“Registered surveyors are guided by strict ethical standards,” he said, while urging the police to use the directory to distinguish licensed professionals from impostors.

The delegation also presented copies of the institution’s Code of Conduct and its directory of registered members to the police command.

Police warn against land grabbing

Speaking during the engagement, CP Ojajuni described accurate surveying and mapping as essential to infrastructure development, land administration, and community security.

He also called on surveyors to intensify public awareness campaigns against land grabbing and illegal land transactions.

“Land disputes and illegal land transactions are significant threats to public peace and security,” the police commissioner said.

He added that the police command was prepared to sustain existing partnerships with the institution, including cooperation on intelligence gathering and public enlightenment campaigns.

Surveyors promise disciplinary action against offenders

Also speaking at the meeting, Surveyor Kayode Adekoya, chairman of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria, said the profession maintains strict disciplinary procedures for unethical conduct.

According to him, surveyors found violating professional regulations could face sanctions, including the withdrawal of their operating licences.

Industry observers say stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and professional bodies could help reduce fraudulent land documentation and improve public trust in property transactions.

Growing concern over property fraud in Nigeria

Experts in Nigeria’s real estate sector have repeatedly warned about the rise in fake land documents, multiple sales of plots, and activities of unlicensed agents in several states.

The issue has affected investors, homeowners, and families involved in property acquisition disputes.

Analysts say verified professional databases and closer cooperation with security agencies may improve accountability and make it easier for residents to confirm the legitimacy of land professionals before carrying out transactions.

What happens next?

The meeting ended with an interactive session between police officials and members of the surveyors’ delegation, alongside renewed commitments to deeper institutional cooperation.

Observers expect future engagements to focus on public education campaigns, verification systems for registered surveyors, and coordinated responses to land-related crimes in Ogun State.

The Lagos State Police Command says four kidnapped children have been rescued and safely reunited with their parents after officers intercepted a suspected trafficker attempting to transport them out of the state.

The rescue operation took place at about 11:40pm on 8 May during a routine patrol around Alafia Bus Terminal in the Coker-Orile area of Lagos.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, officers became suspicious after noticing four children travelling with an unidentified woman preparing to board a luxury bus leaving Lagos.

Police said the woman fled immediately after spotting the patrol team, abandoning the children at the terminal.

Children allegedly kidnapped from Ijesha-Tedo

Preliminary investigations revealed that the children had reportedly been kidnapped earlier from the Ijesha-Tedo area of Lagos State.

Authorities believe the children were being moved out of Lagos under the cover of darkness before the operation was disrupted.

The children were immediately taken into protective custody while officers worked to locate their families.

Police later confirmed that all four children had been safely reunited with their parents.

Police launch manhunt for fleeing suspect

The Lagos State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspect, as well as uncover possible accomplices linked to the alleged trafficking attempt.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, praised the officers involved in the operation.

In a statement signed by police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi, the commissioner described the rescue as part of the command’s wider commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and combating crimes against children.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the alertness and professionalism of the patrol officers involved in the rescue operation,” the statement said.

The police also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the safety and whereabouts of their children and report suspicious activities involving minors to security agencies without delay.

Why the rescue matters

Cases involving child abduction and trafficking continue to raise concern across Nigeria, particularly in densely populated urban areas where interstate transport routes can be exploited by criminal networks.

Security analysts say improved surveillance at bus terminals and stronger cooperation between transport operators and law enforcement agencies could help reduce trafficking risks.

The latest rescue has also renewed public conversations around child safety, community vigilance, and rapid emergency reporting.

Public reactions

Residents and social media users praised the police officers involved in the rescue, with many calling for the fleeing suspect to be arrested quickly.

Child protection advocates have also urged authorities to strengthen awareness campaigns on child trafficking and improve security monitoring around transport hubs across Lagos.

What happens next

Police say efforts are continuing to track down the suspect who escaped during the patrol operation.

Investigators are also working to determine whether the attempted movement of the children is connected to a wider trafficking network operating within or outside Lagos State.