Police Seek Public Support, Communication Control Room for New Crime Unit in Yobe
By Ahmed Abba
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe, Mr Usman Jibrin, has appealed for sustained public support and the establishment of a central communication control room to enhance the operations of the newly inaugurated Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
Jibrin made the appeal on Tuesday in Damaturu during the inauguration of the VCRU, established to tackle violent crimes and other emerging security threats across the state.
He said the unit was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as part of ongoing police reforms aimed at strengthening intelligence-led policing and operational effectiveness.
According to him, the VCRU is designed to combat armed robbery, kidnapping, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, drug abuse and organised criminal activities through proactive policing and intelligence gathering.
The commissioner urged the state government to provide operational logistics, mobility assets, communication gadgets, surveillance equipment and other critical resources needed for the unit’s effective performance.
“To this end, I humbly request the establishment of a central communication control room.
“The use of walkie-talkies is critical because communication through GSM networks during serious crime operations can be less effective and challenging,” he said.
Jibrin also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information.
“Security remains a collective responsibility. We urge members of the public to continue supporting the police and other security agencies with actionable intelligence to safeguard lives and property,” he said.
The commissioner said personnel selected for the unit were carefully screened based on competence, discipline, integrity and operational experience.
He urged officers of the unit to operate within the law, respect citizens’ rights and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
Jibrin said the command had also established a civilian oversight board comprising representatives of professional bodies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, transport unions and human rights groups.
He said the board was created to promote transparency, accountability, respect for human rights and public participation in policing.
In a goodwill message, Mr Ahmad Khalil, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, described the inauguration of the unit as a positive development in the fight against violent crime.
Khalil said addressing violent crime required sustained collaboration among security agencies, legal practitioners, government institutions, community leaders and members of the public.
Representing Gov. Mai Mala Buni, the Deputy Governor, Idi Barde Gubana, assured the police command that the state government would consider its requests based on available resources.
Gubana said the government remained committed to ensuring peace and security across the state.
He said the state government had continued to support security agencies through the provision of vehicles, motorcycles and renovation of security facilities to strengthen rapid response capabilities.
The deputy governor urged officers of the VCRU to justify the confidence reposed in them by protecting citizens, responding rapidly to security threats and upholding human rights.
