The Nigeria Police Force has refuted media reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police had ordered the disbandment of all police tactical units and squads operating in state commands across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, said the report circulating in some online media outlets misrepresented the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The clarification followed publications alleging that the police chief had directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units nationwide.
According to the police spokesman, the directive did not order the outright disbandment of all tactical squads but rather sought to streamline their operations and reduce their proliferation across police formations.
Placid explained that the IGP, who has served in several command positions across the country, is mindful of public concerns over the operations of some tactical teams and the growing number of such units created by Commissioners of Police and heads of police formations.
While acknowledging the critical role of tactical teams in combating crime, the police chief was said to have expressed concern over the excessive proliferation of the units, which often drains police divisions and stations of the manpower needed for routine policing duties.
“The Inspector-General of Police recognises the contributions of tactical teams to crime-fighting efforts. However, he is concerned about their proliferation, which has reduced manpower at police divisions and posts and, in some cases, led to operational excesses due to inadequate supervision,” the statement said.
To address the situation, the IGP directed that the number of tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels be reduced to a maximum of five, while Area Commands and Divisions are to operate not more than three tactical teams each.
The statement noted that the directive allows heads of police formations to either merge or disband units where necessary in order to comply with the new structure.
The police authorities also clarified that the directive does not affect security outfits established by state governments in collaboration with the police.
Such units include the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, the Special Response Squad in Oyo State, as well as Operation DOO-AKPOR in Bayelsa State and other similar collaborative security outfits across the country.
According to the Force spokesman, the restructuring is expected to free more police personnel for deployment to stations and divisions, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing public complaints about some tactical units.
Placid added that the directive is in line with the IGP’s commitment to accountability, improved supervision and a more people-friendly police force, as outlined in his maiden address after assuming office.
He said the measure is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of police divisions while reducing incidents that could undermine public confidence in the Force.
