RE: IGP DISU DID NOT DISBAND POLICE UNITS, ORDERS RESTRUCTURING OF TACTICAL TEAMS

opeolumartinMarch 23, 2026March 23, 202603 mins

Abuja, Nigeria,March 22, 2026

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified reports circulating in some online media outlets claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all police units and squads across state commands nationwide.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the report was described as a misrepresentation of the Inspector-General’s directives.

According to the statement, the IGP did not order a total dissolution of tactical units but instead directed a restructuring aimed at addressing concerns surrounding the proliferation and oversight of such teams. The IGP acknowledged public concerns regarding the operations of police tactical teams and the unchecked creation of multiple units by Commissioners of Police and Heads of formations.

While recognizing the critical role tactical teams play in crime-fighting, the IGP expressed concern that their excessive numbers have led to manpower shortages at Police Divisions and Posts, as well as issues affecting the Force’s integrity due to poor supervision.

To address these challenges, the IGP directed that tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels be reduced to a maximum of five, while those at Area Command and Divisional levels are to be limited to three. This, he noted, can be achieved through the merging or disbandment of teams at the discretion of respective Heads of formations.

The statement further clarified that the directive does not apply to state government-established outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, and other similar units nationwide.

The Inspector-General emphasized that the restructuring is intended to improve supervision, enhance accountability, and strengthen Police Divisions by freeing up personnel. He reiterated his commitment to building a more people-friendly police force and addressing public concerns about the conduct of tactical teams.

The Force assured Nigerians that the move is part of ongoing reforms to improve efficiency and restore public confidence in policing across the country.