By Chigozie Daniel
IGP Olatunji Disu has moved to dispel widespread reports suggesting a sweeping disbandment of police tactical units across the country, describing the narrative as a distortion of his directive.
In a clarification issued by the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Police hierarchy said the widely circulated report misrepresented the Inspector-General’s position on the restructuring of tactical squads within state commands.
The statement, signed by Force Spokesperson DCP Anthony Okon Placid, noted that the IGP remains acutely aware of public concerns over the conduct and proliferation of tactical teams, particularly amid growing scrutiny of their operations nationwide.
According to the Force, rather than ordering a blanket dissolution, Disu directed a measured reduction in the number of such units to restore operational efficiency and public trust in policing.
The IGP, described as a grassroots officer with extensive national experience, acknowledged the critical role tactical teams play in crime-fighting but expressed concern over their unchecked expansion.
He warned that the proliferation of these squads has not only stretched manpower thin across police divisions but has also contributed to cases of misconduct due to weak supervision structures.
To address the imbalance, the IGP ordered that tactical units at Zonal and State Command levels be streamlined to a maximum of five, while Area Commands and Divisions are to operate no more than three units each.
The directive, the Force explained, allows for flexibility, giving Heads of formations the discretion to either merge or disband units in line with operational realities on ground.
However, the restructuring does not affect specialised outfits established by state governments, including Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Special Response Squad in Oyo, and Operation DOO-AKPOR in Bayelsa.
The police leadership expressed optimism that the move would release personnel back to core policing duties at stations, improve supervision, and ultimately curb the excesses that have fueled public complaints against the Force.