New tactical unit in Edo not rebranding of SARS, SWAT – Police
New tactical unit in Edo not rebranding of SARS, SWAT – Police
The police command in Edo has launched a new tactical outfit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
Unveiling the tactical unit on Tuesday in Benin, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, described it as a specialised intelligence-driven squad designed to tackle organised violent crimes with professionalism and accountability.
Agbonika said the VCRU was created in line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen operational response against emerging security threats nationwide.
“The unit is not a rebranding of SARS/SWAT. Instead, it is structured to build public trust through transparency, community engagement, professionalism and respect for human rights,” he said.
According to him, the unit is specifically mandated to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and organised violent crimes through intelligence-led operations.
He stressed that operatives of the unit are not authorised to carry out arbitrary stop-and-search operations, profile citizens or engage in any form of misconduct.
Agbonika explained that members of the VCRU underwent mandatory training in human rights, investigation procedures, firearms handling and tactical operations before deployment.
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He added that the unit would also operate under civilian oversight and regular accountability reporting mechanisms.
The police commissioner announced that the Edo VCRU would be headed by CSP Osagie Etinosa, whom he described as an experienced intelligence and tactical officer.
He said Etinosa joined the Nigeria Police Force in 2010 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and possessed Master’s Degrees in Peace and Conflict Resolution as well as Criminology and Security Studies.
Agbonika noted that the officer had attended several strategic security courses locally and internationally, including trainings in China, the National Crime Agency and the Police Staff College, Jos.
“He has served in critical operational and intelligence positions, including the Force Intelligence Department Abuja, Unit Commander 51 PMF Oghara and Coordinator FID/IRT Benin Annex.
“His operational experience, investigative competence and dedication to duty make him eminently qualified to lead the new Violent Crime Response Unit,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would continue deploying modern policing strategies and lawful resources to ensure Edo remained unsafe for criminals.
“We will continue to adapt, improve and deploy every lawful resource available to confront criminality and ensure that Edo remains unsafe for criminals and safe for law-abiding residents,” he added.
Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the launching climaxed with the presentation of outstanding award to Etinosa for various successful tactical operations in the state, including arrest of a notorious kidnap suspect, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow”, alongside nine other gang members.
