IGP Disu Clarifies: No Full Disbandment of Tactical Units
Last update: March 23, 2026
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The IGP said the Tactical units are limited to curb proliferation and excesses.
The Nigeria Police Force has debunked reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered the complete disbandment of all tactical units and squads across state commands nationwide.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police authority described circulating stories — including sensational headlines suggesting an immediate dissolution of multiple tactical teams — as a "misrepresentation" of the IGP's directives.
CBI News reports that the clarification follows widespread online publications and social media posts that interpreted an internal directive as a blanket scrapping of tactical squads, sparking discussions about potential impacts on crime-fighting efforts.
According to the Force Headquarters, IGP Disu described as a grassroots officer with extensive field experience acknowledges the valuable role tactical teams play in combating crime. However, he has expressed concern over their unchecked proliferation at various levels, which has led to manpower shortages at Police Divisions and Posts, as well as public complaints stemming from alleged excesses and poor supervision.
To address these challenges, the IGP has directed a reduction in the number of tactical teams rather than outright elimination:
- At Zonal and State Command levels: A maximum of five tactical teams.
- At Area Command and Divisional levels: A maximum of three tactical teams.
Heads of formations have been given discretion to achieve this cap through mergers or selective disbandment of redundant units.
The directive explicitly excludes state government-established outfits, such as Lagos State's Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State's SRS, Bayelsa's Operation DOO-AKPOR, and similar specialized units in other states.
CBI News noted that the move is intended to redeploy personnel back to core police stations, enhance supervision of remaining teams, bolster community-level policing, and reduce public grievances against the Force.
This restructuring aligns with IGP Disu's maiden address emphasizing accountability, professionalism, and a more people-friendly police service.
The Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining effective crime-fighting capabilities while addressing internal inefficienci es and public concerns.
