Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has clarified that he did not order the disbandment of all police units and tactical squads nationwide, as recent reports suggested.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Placid, the IGP addressed public concerns regarding the operations of police tactical teams and the proliferation of multiple units by state Commissioners of Police and Heads of Formations.
Disu explained that his directive is intended to limit the number of tactical teams at various command levels: a maximum of five teams at Zonal and State Command levels, and no more than three teams at Area Command and Divisional levels.
Teams may be merged or disbanded at the discretion of Heads of Formations.
The IGP stressed that the directive does not affect state-created units such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, or Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, which operate independently of the Nigeria Police Force’s central command.
“The intention is to free personnel for police stations, enhance supervision of existing teams, strengthen divisions, and reduce complaints against the Force,” the statement read.
Disu, a veteran officer with extensive experience in command positions nationwide, acknowledged the contributions of tactical teams to crime-fighting efforts but emphasised the need to address issues arising from excessive and poorly supervised units.
The directive is part of the IGP’s broader agenda to promote accountability, people-friendly policing, and effective resource deployment within the Force.
