IGP Insists on Reform, Not Removal of Police Tactical Units

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has firmly rejected widespread reports alleging a sweeping disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across Nigeria. The clarification comes amid rising public concern and online speculation about the future of specialized policing teams at the state level.

In an official statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the Nigeria Police Force addressed what it described as a “misrepresentation” of the IGP’s directive. Contrary to viral reports, the police chief did not order a blanket dissolution of units but instead called for a strategic reduction and restructuring.

According to the statement, the directive focuses on streamlining operations by limiting the number of tactical teams. Zonal and State Commands are now expected to operate no more than five such units, while Area Commands and Divisions are restricted to a maximum of three. This reduction, the IGP explained, can be achieved through mergers or selective disbandment, depending on the discretion of command heads.

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The move, as emphasized by the police leadership, is part of a broader effort to improve accountability and restore public confidence. Over time, the proliferation of tactical units has reportedly strained manpower at police stations and contributed to concerns about misconduct and lack of supervision.

Disu acknowledged the critical role tactical teams play in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their unchecked expansion. He noted that excessive numbers of such units have weakened operational efficiency and, in some cases, led to abuses that tarnish the image of the force.

Importantly, the directive does not affect state-established security outfits. Units such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR remain outside the scope of this restructuring. These organizations, created by state governments, will continue to function independently.

The police chief highlighted that the ultimate goal of the directive is to reallocate personnel to police stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing. By doing so, the force aims to enhance response times, improve community relations, and reduce complaints associated with tactical operations.

Public reaction to the initial reports had been swift, with many Nigerians expressing concern over potential security gaps. However, the clarification appears to have eased tensions, as it underscores reform rather than removal.

The statement reiterated Disu’s commitment to building a “people-friendly” police force, a theme he emphasized during his inaugural address. By tightening oversight and reducing redundancy, the IGP seeks to address longstanding issues while maintaining the effectiveness of tactical teams.

Security analysts suggest that if properly implemented, the policy could mark a turning point in policing standards across Nigeria. Enhanced supervision and better resource allocation are expected to improve both operational outcomes and public trust.

As the Nigeria Police Force begins to implement these changes, attention will likely shift to how effectively commands comply with the directive and whether the intended reforms translate into measurable improvements on the ground.

The development highlights a critical moment for policing in Nigeria—one that balances operational necessity with accountability, aiming to rebuild confidence in law enforcement institutions nationwide.