Olayiwola Matthew
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police ordered the wholesale disbandment of tactical units across state commands, describing the publication as a misrepresentation of official directives
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, clarified that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, did not direct the dissolution of all police squads as widely reported by some online media platforms.
According to the statement, the IGP had instead issued a directive aimed at restructuring and streamlining tactical units within the Force to improve efficiency, accountability and public trust.
The police hierarchy noted that the directive was in response to growing concerns from members of the public regarding the operations and conduct of certain tactical teams, as well as the unchecked proliferation of such units by Commissioners of Police and heads of formations.
The statement explained that while the IGP recognises the critical role tactical units play in crime-fighting across the country, he has expressed concern over their increasing numbers, which have led to operational challenges.
These include the depletion of manpower at Police Divisions and Posts, as well as issues relating to inadequate supervision and alleged excesses by some personnel.
To address these concerns, the IGP directed that the number of tactical teams be reduced to a maximum of five at the Zonal and State Command levels, and three at the Area Command and Divisional levels.
The restructuring, the statement noted, may involve the merging or disbandment of certain teams at the discretion of heads of formations.
The Force further clarified that the directive does not apply to state-backed security outfits such as the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, the Special Response Squad in Oyo State, and Operation DOO-AKPOR in Bayelsa State, as well as other similar initiatives across the country.
The police leadership expressed confidence that the restructuring would help redeploy personnel to Police Stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing longstanding complaints about the conduct of some tactical teams.
The statement added that the move aligns with the IGP’s broader vision of building a more accountable, disciplined and citizen-focused police force.
It recalled that in his maiden address to Nigerians, the IGP emphasized the importance of professionalism, effective supervision and a people-friendly approach to policing.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness while restoring public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
