IGP Did Not Order Dissolution of Tactical Units, Police Clarify
The Nigeria Police Force has debunked reports circulating in some online media alleging that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, ordered the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units across state commands nationwide.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, described the publication as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives, clarifying that no such sweeping disbandment order was given.
According to the statement, the IGP, who is said to have a deep understanding of grassroots policing and extensive experience from command positions across the country, remains mindful of public concerns surrounding the operations of police tactical teams.
The police high command acknowledged that the proliferation of tactical units by Commissioners of Police and Heads of formations has, in recent times, led to operational challenges, including the depletion of manpower at Police Divisions and Posts, as well as incidents of misconduct attributed to poorly supervised teams.
While reaffirming the critical role of tactical teams in crime-fighting, the IGP expressed concern over their unchecked expansion, noting that such growth undermines efficiency and affects the integrity of the Force.
To address the situation, the IGP has directed a structured reduction—not dissolution—of tactical teams across commands. Under the new directive, Zonal and State Commands are to maintain a maximum of five tactical teams, while Area Commands and Divisions are limited to a maximum of three.
The statement explained that this adjustment may be achieved through the merging or disbandment of units, at the discretion of Heads of formations.
It further clarified that the directive does not apply to state government-established security outfits, including Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, as well as similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
The Force noted that the move is expected to free up personnel for deployment to Police Stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing complaints from members of the public regarding the excesses of some tactical teams.
Reiterating his commitment to accountability and people-oriented policing, the IGP emphasized that the reform is aimed at enhancing supervision, improving operational efficiency, and restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
“The step is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Police Divisions and eliminate factors contributing to complaints against the Force,” the statement added.
The police urged the public and media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation capable of misleading the public.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
