The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all tactical units and squads across state commands, describing the publication as a misrepresentation of his directive.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police clarified that the IGP did not order a wholesale dissolution of tactical teams but instead directed a reduction in their numbers nationwide.
According to the statement, the directive is aimed at addressing concerns over the proliferation of tactical units created by Commissioners of Police and heads of formations, which has led to manpower shortages at police divisions and complaints about misconduct.
The police said the IGP, drawing from his experience in various command positions, acknowledged the critical role of tactical teams in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their excessive numbers and poor supervision in some instances.
To address this, Disu directed that tactical teams at the zonal and state command levels be reduced to a maximum of five, while those at area command and divisional levels should not exceed three.
The statement noted that the reduction could be achieved through the merging or disbandment of existing teams at the discretion of heads of formations.
It further clarified that the directive does not apply to state government-backed security outfits such as the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, the Special Response Squad in Oyo State, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.
The Force explained that the move is expected to free up personnel for deployment to police stations and divisions, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing public complaints about the excesses of some tactical units.
The statement added that the directive aligns with the IGP’s commitment to accountability and building a people-friendly police force, as outlined in his maiden address.
The police reiterated that the restructuring is intended to improve supervision, enhance operational efficiency, and restore public confidence in the Force.