RismadarVoice Reporters
March 22, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across state commands.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, described the report as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directive.
According to the statement, rather than a wholesale disbandment, the IGP ordered a restructuring and reduction of tactical teams to address concerns over their proliferation and alleged excesses.
The directive limits tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels to a maximum of five, while Area Commands and Divisions are to operate no more than three teams each. The adjustment may involve merging or disbanding units at the discretion of heads of formations.
The police clarified that the directive does not affect state government-backed security outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.
The IGP expressed concern that the unchecked expansion of tactical units has depleted manpower at police divisions and posts, while also contributing to misconduct due to poor supervision.
He noted that the restructuring is aimed at improving accountability, enhancing supervision, and strengthening police divisions by redistributing personnel.
“The move is expected to reduce complaints about tactical team excesses and reinforce a more people-friendly policing system,” the statement added.
The police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to reforms that will improve service delivery and public trust in the Force.
