Police clarify “disbandment” reports as IGP orders restructuring of tactical units nationwide
The Nigeria Police Force has debunked widespread reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the wholesale disbandment of all police tactical units across state commands, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of his directive.
In a statement issued on Sunday from Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, clarified that the IGP did not dissolve all units but instead ordered a strategic restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and public trust.
According to the statement, the police chief’s attention had been drawn to online publications alleging that he directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical squads operating nationwide. However, the Force said the directive was misinterpreted.
Rather than a blanket disbandment, the IGP has ordered a reduction in the number of tactical teams across formations. Under the new arrangement, Zonal and State Commands are to maintain no more than five tactical teams, while Area Commands and Divisions are limited to a maximum of three.
The police explained that this rationalisation could be achieved through the merging or disbanding of existing units, at the discretion of Commissioners of Police and other heads of formations.
The move, according to the Force, is driven by growing public concerns over the proliferation of tactical squads and the alleged excesses linked to some of the units. The IGP, described as a grassroots officer with extensive operational experience across the country, acknowledged the critical role tactical teams play in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their unchecked expansion.
“The proliferation of these teams has not only drained personnel from Police Divisions and Posts but has also led to issues affecting the integrity of the Force, particularly due to the excesses of poorly supervised units,” the statement noted.
The restructuring is expected to free up manpower for deployment to police stations, thereby strengthening community-level policing and addressing complaints about misconduct by tactical operatives.
The Force also clarified that the directive does not apply to state-backed security outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.
Police authorities say the reform is part of broader efforts by the IGP to reposition the Force as more accountable and people-oriented. In his maiden address, Disu had pledged to prioritise professionalism, improve supervision, and rebuild public confidence in policing.
The latest directive, officials say, is a step toward tightening oversight, reducing operational excesses, and ensuring that tactical teams operate within clearly defined limits while maintaining their effectiveness in tackling crime.
