Police Clarify “Disbandment” Claim, Order Reduction Of Tactical Units Nationwide
In a move that reflects growing concern over public trust and operational efficiency, the Nigeria Police Force has clarified reports suggesting a sweeping disbandment of tactical units across the country.
The Force Headquarters in Abuja has dismissed as misleading a viral report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Disu, ordered the outright dissolution of all police tactical squads at state commands.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the directive was not a blanket disbandment but a strategic restructuring aimed at curbing excesses and improving accountability within the Force.
The statement explained that the IGP, drawing from his extensive field experience, acknowledged the critical role of tactical teams in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their unchecked proliferation.
This, he noted, has not only depleted manpower at police divisions but also contributed to misconduct arising from poor supervision.
To address this, the IGP has ordered a reduction in the number of tactical teams, limiting them to a maximum of five at zonal and state command levels, and three at area command and divisional levels.
The restructuring may involve merging or disbanding certain units, depending on operational needs.
Importantly, the directive does not affect state-backed security outfits such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR.
The police leadership believes the move will redeploy officers to understaffed stations, enhance supervision, and reduce public complaints tied to tactical unit excesses.
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of policing methods in Nigeria, as authorities seek to balance effective crime control with respect for citizens’ rights.
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