Police Return Thousands of IDPs to Fegin Kanawa as Zamfara Launches Violent Crime Response Unit

The Zamfara State Police Command has facilitated the return of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Fegin Kanawa Village in Gusau after more than a year of displacement caused by persistent bandit attacks.

The development came as part of ongoing security stabilization efforts in Zamfara State, following improved operational engagements between security agencies and the state government aimed at restoring normalcy in affected communities.

According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the return of the displaced residents aligns with the strategic vision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

The statement noted that adequate security measures have been deployed to enable the returning residents to resume farming and other lawful economic activities without fear of attacks, kidnapping, or intimidation by criminal elements.

In a related development, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, officially launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at Fegin Kanawa Village as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

The initiative was described as a major step toward enhancing rapid response capabilities and improving coordinated security operations in vulnerable communities across the state.

Speaking at the event, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello commended the Governor for his continuous support to security agencies, noting that such collaboration has significantly contributed to recent successes recorded in the fight against crime.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry and other violent crimes, stressing that there would be no hiding place for criminal elements in the state.

He further explained that the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit was designed on the principles of professionalism, accountability, discipline, and respect for human rights in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. He added that officers assigned to the unit had undergone specialized training to enhance operational effectiveness.

Governor Dauda Lawal, in his remarks, commended the Inspector-General of Police for the establishment of the unit, describing it as timely and strategic in addressing insecurity and violent crimes in the state.

The Governor also praised the leadership of CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello for what he described as proactive strategies that have helped restore confidence among communities previously affected by criminal activities.

The police command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information and to promptly report suspicious movements through designated emergency lines to enhance ongoing peace-building efforts.

The statement was signed by DSP Yazid Abubakar, ANIPR, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Police Command, dated May 21, 2026.