The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dissolved all existing tactical squads and merged them into a single, unified formation known as the Violent Crime Response Unit, in a move aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and discipline.
The decision was announced by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, during an emergency security meeting held on April 17, 2026, at the Command Headquarters.
A statement on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the meeting, which brought together Area Commanders and Tactical Commanders, focused on enhancing professionalism, reinforcing security operations, and consolidating gains in crime reduction across the territory.
Sanusi explained that the newly established VCRU would be solely responsible for responding to violent crimes within the FCT, providing a more coordinated and effective framework for rapid response.
“The CP announced that, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, all Tactical Teams within the Command have been dissolved and merged into a single, unified unit known as the Violent Crime Response Unit.
“The newly established unit will be solely responsible for responding to violent crimes across the FCT, ensuring a more coordinated and effective operational framework, ” the statement partly read.
He commended officers for their dedication, noting that crime rates in the FCT have remained relatively low in recent months.
He, however, urged them to sustain vigilance and adopt proactive approaches in tackling emerging security threats.
As part of efforts to enforce professionalism, the police commissioner reiterated the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stressing zero tolerance for misconduct.
He warned officers against acts of extortion, harassment, and other unprofessional behaviour, adding that such infractions would attract strict disciplinary measures.
“He strongly warned against extortion, harassment of members of the public, and all forms of misconduct, emphasising that such acts will not be tolerated. Area Commanders were further directed to cascade these instructions to their Divisional Police Officers and their subordinates, with a clear warning that supervisory officers will be held vicariously liable for any misconduct by their subordinates.
“In a further push for accountability, the CP tasked the Commander of the X-Squad to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations against erring personnel, noting that any officer found culpable would be arrested and subjected to appropriate sanctions”, the statement said.
He also appealed to residents of the FCT to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, emphasising that public cooperation remains vital in sustaining peace.
The commissioner cautioned against provoking confrontations with police officers for the purpose of recording and sharing content online, insisting that officers are committed to protecting lives and property.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding all residents and will continue to adopt proactive strategies to ensure a secure environment,” he added.
The PUNCH had reported on March 22 that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed the reduction of tactical teams across police formations nationwide as part of efforts to enhance supervision and address public complaints.
The directive limits tactical teams at the Zonal and State Command levels to a maximum of five, while Area Commands and Divisions are restricted to a maximum of three teams.
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