The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has moved to clarify widespread reports claiming he ordered the dissolution of tactical police units nationwide.
According to an official statement released from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the earlier reports were said to have misrepresented the IGP’s actual directive. Instead of a total shutdown, a structured reduction of tactical units has been ordered across commands.
“The publication stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide,” the statement read.
However, it added, “This report is a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives.”
Furthermore, the IGP acknowledged growing public concerns regarding the activities of tactical teams. These concerns have reportedly been linked to unchecked expansion and alleged misconduct by some units.
Moreover, it was revealed that the proliferation of these teams has strained manpower at police stations. This, in turn, has affected routine policing duties and community engagement efforts.
“To address these issues, the IGP directed the reduction of the tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels to a maximum of five,” the statement explained.
In addition, Area Commands and Divisions are now limited to a maximum of three tactical teams. This directive can be implemented through merging or disbanding units where necessary.
However, certain specialized outfits created by state governments will not be affected. These include Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad and similar units across other states.
Meanwhile, the move is expected to improve supervision and reduce cases of misconduct. It is also aimed at restoring trust between the police and the public.
The statement further emphasized that the decision aligns with the IGP’s broader vision of building a more accountable and people-friendly police force.
“Having emphasized accountability and a people-friendly Force in his maiden address to Nigerians, the IGP took this step to enhance supervision of existing teams,” the statement added.
Therefore, the restructuring is seen as a strategic effort to balance effective crime-fighting with responsible policing practices.
