The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all tactical units across state commands, describing the information as a misrepresentation.
In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, said the IGP did not direct a blanket dissolution of tactical squads but instead ordered a restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.
“The publication stated that the Inspector-General of Police… directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide. This report is a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives,” Placid said.
According to the statement, Disu acknowledged growing public concerns over the operations of police tactical teams, particularly the proliferation of such units by Commissioners of Police and heads of formations.
The police chief, described as “a grassroots officer with a profound network across Nigerian society,” was said to recognise the importance of tactical teams in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their unchecked expansion.
“He is however uncomfortable with their proliferation, which drains Police Divisions and Posts of required manpower and brings issues that affect the Force’s integrity because of the excesses of the poorly supervised teams,” the statement added.
To address these concerns, the IGP has directed a cap on the number of tactical teams across formations. Zonal and State Commands are to maintain a maximum of five teams, while Area Commands and Divisions are limited to three.
“The reduction can be achieved by merging or disbanding teams, at the Heads of formations’ discretion,” Placid explained.
He further clarified that the directive does not apply to state-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.
The police said the restructuring is expected to free up personnel for deployment to police stations and divisions, thereby improving service delivery and reducing complaints from the public.
Placid noted that the move aligns with Disu’s commitment to accountability and building a people-friendly police force.
“Having emphasised accountability and a people-friendly Force in his maiden address to Nigerians, the IGP took this step to enhance supervision of existing teams, strengthen Police Divisions, and remove causes of complaints against the Force by members of the public,” he said.
