Police Clarify Directive: No Nationwide Disbandment of Tactical Units

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted widespread reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all tactical 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, noting that no blanket dissolution of police units was ordered.

According to the statement, the IGP acknowledged growing public concerns over the proliferation and conduct of tactical teams nationwide. While recognizing their critical role in crime-fighting, he expressed concern that the unchecked expansion of such units has strained manpower at police divisions and contributed to misconduct due to poor supervision.

To address these challenges, the IGP has directed a restructuring aimed at reducing the number of tactical teams. Under the new directive, Zonal and State Commands are to maintain a maximum of five tactical teams, while Area Commands and Divisions are limited to three.

The police leadership clarified that the directive allows heads of formations to either merge or disband units as necessary to meet the prescribed limits. However, the order does not apply to state government-backed security outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and similar formations in other states.

The IGP said the move is expected to redeploy personnel to understaffed police stations, enhance operational supervision, and address recurring public complaints about the excesses of tactical teams.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the police leadership to accountability and a more citizen-focused policing approach, in line with the IGP’s earlier pledge to reform the Force.