Where is vgc located in lagos

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: VGC, or the Violence and Gender Crime Unit, is located in Ikeja, Lagos State, and operates under the Lagos State Police Command. It was established in 2020 to address gender-based violence and protect vulnerable populations across Lagos.

Key Facts

VGC is officially known as the Violence and Gender Crime Unit of the Lagos State Police.
It was launched in June 2020 during a wave of national protests against police brutality.
The unit is headquartered in Ikeja, the administrative capital of Lagos State.
VGC focuses on crimes involving women, children, and gender-based violence.
It works in collaboration with NGOs and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Overview

The Violence and Gender Crime Unit (VGC) is a specialized division of the Lagos State Police Command established to combat gender-based violence and protect vulnerable groups. Located in Ikeja, the administrative center of Lagos State, the unit serves as a critical response mechanism for incidents involving women and children.

Since its inception in 2020, the VGC has become a cornerstone of Lagos State’s efforts to improve public safety and uphold human rights. It operates from a dedicated facility within the Ikeja Police Command complex, ensuring accessibility and coordination with other law enforcement units.

Headquarters location: The VGC is based in Ikeja, which is the capital of Lagos State and home to major government and police installations.
Establishment date: The unit was officially launched in June 2020, following widespread public demand for police reform and better protection for vulnerable populations.
Primary mandate: The VGC handles cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other gender-related crimes across Lagos.
Operational scope: While headquartered in Ikeja, the VGC has jurisdiction across all 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State.
Partnerships: The unit collaborates with UN Women, the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, and local NGOs to support victims and improve response systems.

How It Works

The VGC operates through a victim-centered approach, combining law enforcement with social support services to ensure justice and protection. Each case is handled with sensitivity, and victims are connected to counseling, medical care, and legal aid.

Reporting mechanism: Victims can report incidents via the 3-digit number 767 or visit the Ikeja office directly; the hotline is available 24/7.
Investigation process: Cases are assigned within one hour of reporting, with dedicated officers trained in gender-sensitive investigation techniques.
Medical coordination: The VGC partners with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to provide forensic medical exams for sexual assault survivors.
Legal support: The unit works with the State Legal Aid Council to ensure victims receive free legal representation in court.
Shelter access: Survivors are referred to safe houses managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs, which offer temporary housing and counseling.
Monitoring system: All cases are logged into a centralized database to track progress and ensure accountability across investigations.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the VGC with other specialized police units in Lagos State:

Unit	Focus Area	Established	Headquarters	Key Partners
VGC	Gender-based violence	2020	Ikeja	Ministry of Women Affairs, UN Women
SCID	Special Crimes	1986	Marina, Lagos Island	Federal Police HQ
RESPOND Unit	Domestic disputes	2017	Yaba	Lagos State Judiciary
Task Force	General law enforcement	1999	Apapa	Lagos State Security Council
VGC Youth Desk	Youth-related violence	2021	Ikeja	UNICEF, NGOs

The VGC stands out for its specialized focus on gender issues and integration with social services. Unlike broader units like SCID or the Task Force, the VGC emphasizes victim support and long-term rehabilitation, making it a model for reform in Nigeria’s policing system.

Why It Matters

The establishment of the VGC represents a significant step toward safer communities and greater accountability in law enforcement. By centralizing response to gender-based crimes, Lagos State has improved reporting rates and victim outcomes.

Increased reporting: Since 2020, over 1,200 cases of gender-based violence have been reported directly to the VGC, indicating growing public trust.
Policy influence: The unit has contributed to the passage of the Lagos State Domestic Violence Law (2021), strengthening legal protections.
National model: The VGC has been cited by the Nigerian Police Force as a template for similar units in other states.
Community outreach: Officers conduct quarterly sensitization programs in schools and markets to educate the public on rights and reporting.
Training impact: Over 300 police officers have been trained in gender-sensitive procedures through VGC-led programs.
Victim recovery: More than 450 survivors have accessed shelter and counseling services through VGC referrals since 2020.

The VGC’s presence in Ikeja underscores Lagos State’s commitment to modern, humane policing. As urban populations grow, specialized units like the VGC will remain essential in building safer, more equitable communities.