The Nigeria Police Force has debunked widespread media reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the wholesale disbandment of all police tactical units across state commands.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, described the reports as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directive, clarified that no such blanket dissolution was ordered.
According to the statement, the IGP’s directive is aimed at restructuring and streamlining tactical units, not abolishing them. The move was coming amid growing public concerns over the proliferation of tactical teams and allegations of misconduct linked to poorly supervised units.
The police chief acknowledged the critical role tactical teams play in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their excessive numbers across formations, which he said have strained manpower at police divisions and affected operational efficiency.
To address the issue, the IGP directed that tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels be reduced to a maximum of five, while Area Commands and Divisions are to operate no more than three teams. The restructuring, the statement noted, may involve merging or disbanding existing units at the discretion of heads of formations.
The directive, however, does not apply to state government-established security outfits such as the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad, and similar units operating in other states.
The police leadership believed the measure will help redeploy personnel to police stations, enhance supervision, and curb excesses often associated with tactical teams.
Reaffirming his commitment to a more accountable and citizen-focused policing system, the IGP said the restructuring aligns with his broader vision of strengthening grassroots policing and restoring public trust in the Force.
