Police Clarify Directive on Tactical Units, Deny Disbandment Claims

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted reports alleging that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all tactical units across state commands, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, said the IGP only directed a restructuring of tactical teams to improve efficiency and accountability within the Force.
According to the statement, the IGP acknowledged public concerns over the operations of police tactical teams and the increasing number of such units created by Commissioners of Police and heads of formations nationwide. He noted that the proliferation of these teams has reduced manpower at police divisions and contributed to cases of misconduct due to inadequate supervision.
To address the situation, the IGP has directed that tactical teams at zonal and state command levels be limited to a maximum of five, while area commands and divisional formations are to operate no more than three teams. The restructuring, the statement noted, may involve merging or disbanding units at the discretion of respective commanders.
The Police also clarified that the directive does not affect state-established security outfits, including Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR.
The Force said the measure is part of efforts to enhance supervision, strengthen police divisions, and reduce public complaints, while maintaining effective crime-fighting operations across the country.