No full disbandment, just restructuring, Police clarifies IGP directive on tactical units
Police
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force has debunked viral reports claiming Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu ordered the outright disbandment of all police units and squads at state commands, labeling the story a “misrepresentation.”
In a statement issued Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police clarified that IGP Olatunji Disu—described as “a grassroots officer with a profound network across Nigerian society”—directed a targeted reduction in tactical teams to address proliferation and public concerns.
The IGP, who has “held command positions nationwide and witnessed tactical teams in action,” values their role in crime-fighting but is “uncomfortable with their proliferation, which drains Police Divisions and Posts of required manpower and brings issues that affect the Force’s integrity because of the excesses of the poorly supervised teams.”
Key directives include limiting tactical teams to “a maximum of five” at Zonal and State Command levels, and “a maximum of three” at Area Command and Divisional levels.
This can be done “by merging or disbanding teams, at the Heads of formations’ discretion.” Notably excluded are state government-created outfits like Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR.
The move aims to “free personnel for Police Stations, reducing complaints about tactical team excesses,” aligning with the IGP’s emphasis on “accountability and a people-friendly Force” from his maiden address.
