The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has clarified reports that he ordered the immediate disbandment of all police tactical units across state commands, describing them as a misrepresentation of his directives.
The reports, circulated by online media outlets, suggested a sweeping dissolution of units, including Rapid Response Squads and special tactical teams.
The IGP stressed that while tactical units are valuable for crime-fighting, their unchecked proliferation drains police divisions of manpower and can compromise operational integrity.
“To enhance supervision, strengthen police divisions, and reduce public complaints, tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels will be limited to a maximum of five, while Area Command and Divisional units will have no more than three,” the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said.
The restructuring allows Heads of formations to merge or disband teams at their discretion.
State government-created outfits, such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, are excluded from the directive.
The IGP, a former commander in multiple states, emphasized that the move aims to free personnel for regular police stations, improve accountability, and ensure a more people-friendly force.
“Having witnessed tactical teams in action across the country, the IGP values their contribution but recognizes the need for proper oversight,” DCP Okon Placid added.
The directive follows growing public concerns over misconduct by poorly supervised tactical units, including complaints of human rights violations and abuse of authority.
IGP Disu has consistently highlighted accountability and transparency as core priorities in his administration, and the current restructuring is intended to align tactical operations with these principles.
