The Nigerian Police Force has dismissed circulating claims that all tactical units across state commands have been disbanded, clarifying that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has only ordered a restructuring of existing teams.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 22, the Force explained that while the IGP has directed limits on the number of tactical teams at various command levels, reports suggesting the immediate dissolution of all units are false.
IGP Disu, a veteran officer who has held command positions across Nigeria, noted that tactical units play a critical role in crime-fighting. He expressed concern, however, that the proliferation of these teams at state and divisional levels has stretched personnel resources at police stations and, in some cases, led to issues affecting the Force’s integrity.
To address these challenges, the IGP has set clear limits on the number of tactical teams at various command levels.
At the zonal and state command levels, there should be no more than five tactical units, while at area command and divisional levels, the maximum number of teams is three. Heads of Formations have the discretion to merge or disband units to comply with these limits.
The directive does not affect state-established units, including Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo’s SRS, Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, or other similar formations operating across the country.
The Force stated that the restructuring is intended to release personnel back to police stations, improve supervision, and reduce public complaints associated with tactical team operations.
“This measure reinforces accountability and supports a people-friendly approach to policing,” the statement said, noting that the IGP’s decision aligns with his commitment to strengthening Police Divisions and ensuring proper oversight of tactical units.
DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, emphasized that the directive is part of ongoing reforms aimed at building a professional, transparent, and community-focused Nigerian Police Force.