Rivers Police Disband All Tactical Units, Launch New Violent Crime Response Unit to Tackle Insecurity

(Police. Photo by. BBC)

All tactical units in the state have been disbanded by the Rivers State Police Command, which has also cautioned officers against engaging in extortion and other unethical behavior.

According to the command, the action was a part of initiatives to improve operational effectiveness, professionalism, and public trust in law enforcement.

In order to address violent crime cases, it also announced the establishment of a new organization called the Violent Crime Response Unit.

This was revealed in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by Blessing Agabe, the state police public relations officer.

According to Agabe, the directive is being carried out under the direction of state Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju and is consistent with ongoing reforms by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

“All disbanded Tactical Teams have been consolidated into a single, specialized formation known as the Violent Crime Response Unit in accordance with this directive,” the statement stated.

“The unit is required to react to violent crime occurrences in a prompt and decisive manner while upholding established rules of engagement and respecting fundamental human rights.

The command emphasized that officers who engaged in extortion, abuse of office, or other wrongdoing would be disciplined.

The statement went on, “Officers are reminded that any violation of the Nigeria Police Force Code of Conduct and professional ethics will attract strict disciplinary action.”

The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities. The command reiterated its resolve to deliver effective and accountable policing in the state.