20/05/2026
BAYELSA STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE LAUNCHES VIOLENT CRIME RESPONSE UNIT (VCRU), CP IYAMAH INAUGURATES CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD
The Bayelsa State Police Command today, 20th May, 2026, officially launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and inaugurated the Civilian Oversight Board at the Command Headquarters, Yenagoa, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, enhance professionalism, and improve public confidence in policing across the State.
The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, launched the new Unit in Bayelsa State and commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, for the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit across State Commands, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards strengthening internal security, combating violent crimes, and promoting accountability in policing. He further assured the command of the Government’s continuous support in the fight against violent crimes across the state.
Present at the ceremony was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16 Headquarters, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, PSC (+), who charged the officers to maintain the highest level of professionalism and to abide by the provisions of Force Order 237 in the discharge of their duties, alongside other distinguished guests and stakeholders.
In his speech, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, psc, IICFIP, foosi, stated that the VCRU was established in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at providing a specialized, intelligence-driven, and rapid response mechanism to effectively tackle violent crimes and other emerging security threats in the country. The CP further noted that the inauguration of the Civilian Oversight Board demonstrates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to transparency, respect for human rights, and community partnership in policing, adding that the Board will serve as an independent supervisory body to promote accountability and strengthen Police Public Relations.
Members of the Civilian Oversight Board inaugurated at the event include: Representative of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Wapaebiama David Amakiri, Obeneobhan II, Obhan-Emeyal Kingdom; Representative of Community Leaders, HRH Morrison Itelimo Odede, PhD, Obigbo Kiti Kiti VI, Obenaken of Okaka Autonomous Federated Community in Epie Kingdom; Representative of the Legal Profession Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, Barr. Beimonyo Vivien Brisibe, PhD; Representative of the Civil Society Organizations, High Chief Nengi James, OON; and Dr. Nemmenegbor James, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
For prompt response to violent crime incidents and credible intelligence sharing, members of the public advised to reach the VCRU through the following dedicated lines:
08037045702
07034578208
08143377442
CP Iyamah reassured residents of Bayelsa State of the Command commitment to the protection of lives and property and called on members of the public to continue to support the Police with credible and timely information that
will aid effective crime prevention and detection.
DSP MUSA MOHAMMED, Anipr, foosi
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
BAYELSA STATE COMMAND
YENAGOA
20TH MAY, 2026