Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has commissioned 12 operational vehicles for the Niger State Police Command as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve the Command’s response to violent crimes across the state.
The governor also officially launched the Niger State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) during a ceremony held on Sunday at the Command Headquarters, Dutsen-Kura, Minna.
Governor Bago was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba; Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji; the Commissioner for Homeland Security; and other senior government officials.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, appreciated the state government for its sustained support to the Command through the provision of operational vehicles, logistics and other resources that have enhanced policing and public safety.
He recalled that the state government had earlier donated five operational vehicles to the Command in August 2025, noting that the latest intervention would further strengthen security operations across the state.
The police commissioner disclosed that the newly inaugurated VCRU consists of 218 specially selected personnel drawn from tactical formations and police divisions across Niger State. According to him, the officers underwent intensive theoretical and practical training on standard operating procedures, modern policing techniques and human rights compliance.
Elleman explained that the unit, led by CSP Hassan Gimba, was established to provide specialised and proactive responses to armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, thuggery, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts and other emerging security threats.
He also commended residents of the state for their cooperation and timely intelligence, which he said had contributed significantly to the Command’s operational successes, assuring that the newly commissioned vehicles would be deployed effectively to enhance public safety.
While commissioning the vehicles, Governor Bago said the gesture reflected his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies and ensuring a safer environment for all residents.
He said the vehicles would improve the mobility and rapid response capability of the newly established VCRU in tackling violent crimes across the state.
The governor praised officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and professionalism and commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for initiating the establishment of the specialised unit, describing it as a timely strategy for addressing emerging security challenges.
Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in security initiatives aimed at protecting lives and property while promoting peace and socio-economic development across Niger State.
Addressing members of the new unit, CP Elleman charged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
He directed the officers to comply strictly with Force Order 237 on the use of firearms and adhere to established operational procedures while carrying out their responsibilities with courage, accountability and dedication.
The police commissioner expressed confidence that the officers would justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering effective service in the fight against violent crime across Niger State.
