Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has debunked reports of a nationwide disbandment of tactical units, clarifying instead that he has ordered a strategic reduction in the number of teams to curb proliferation and improve departmental supervision
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has formally clarified a widely circulated report alleging the total disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across state commands. In a statement released through the Force Spokesperson, Anthony Placid, the IGP described the claims of a nationwide shutdown as “misleading” and a “misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives.” According to the police chief, the administration has instead mandated a strategic reduction in the number of tactical teams to prevent duplication of duties and ensure better oversight. Under the new guidelines, tactical teams at the Zonal and State Command levels are to be limited to a maximum of five, while Area Commands and Divisions are restricted to no more than three.
The directive stems from growing institutional concerns regarding the “proliferation” of specialized squads, which the IGP argues has drained essential manpower from primary police divisions and posts. IGP Disu, described as a grassroots officer with extensive command experience, noted that the creation of multiple uncoordinated teams by various Commissioners of Police often led to public backlash and poorly supervised operations. “This can be achieved by merging or disbanding teams, at the heads of formations’ discretion,” the statement noted, adding that the move is intended to free up personnel for standard station duties and reduce the frequency of complaints regarding the excesses of tactical operatives.
Significantly, the Force clarified that this restructuring does not affect state-funded security outfits that operate in collaboration with the police. “The teams referred to exclude state government-created outfits like Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, and other similar outfits across the country,” the IGP confirmed. By maintaining these specialized collaborative units while trimming internal police squads, the leadership expects to preserve the Force’s integrity without compromising high-level crime-fighting capabilities. The IGP remains confident that this consolidation will address the “excesses of the poorly supervised teams” that have historically affected the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.
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