The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across state commands.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, described the reports as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directive, clarifying that no such blanket dissolution was ordered.
According to the statement, the IGP acknowledged growing public concerns over the operations of tactical teams, particularly their proliferation by Commissioners of Police and heads of formations, which has reportedly led to operational excesses and strained the integrity of the Force.
Rather than disbanding all units, Disu directed a reduction in the number of tactical teams across commands. Under the new directive, Zonal and State Commands are to operate a maximum of five tactical teams, while Area Commands and Divisions are limited to three.
The police hierarchy explained that this restructuring may involve merging or disbanding certain teams at the discretion of command heads, with the aim of improving efficiency and oversight.
The statement further noted that the directive does not affect state government-backed security outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR.
The IGP said the move is intended to free up personnel for deployment to Police Divisions and stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing complaints about misconduct by tactical units.
He reiterated his commitment to accountability and a people-friendly policing system, adding that the reform would enhance supervision, boost operational effectiveness, and rebuild public trust in the Force.