The Office of the Inspector-General of Police has refuted reports circulating in sections of the online media claiming that the Inspector-General, Olatunji Disu, ordered the blanket disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across state commands nationwide.
According to an official clarification, the reports are inaccurate and misrepresent the actual directive issued by the IGP.
This was contained in a statement issued by Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer in Abuja on March 22, 2026.
While acknowledging widespread public concerns over the operations of police tactical teams, the police chief did not order their total dissolution.
The IGP, described as a grassroots officer with extensive experience across various commands in the country, recognizes the critical role tactical units play in combating crime. However, he has expressed concern over the unchecked proliferation of such teams, often created by Commissioners of Police and heads of formations, which has led to operational inefficiencies and public complaints.
Specifically, the excessive number of tactical units has reportedly depleted manpower at Police Divisions and Posts, while also raising integrity issues due to inadequate supervision of some teams.
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To address these challenges, the IGP has directed a controlled restructuring. Under the new directive, tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels are to be reduced to a maximum of five, while those at Area Command and Divisional levels are to be capped at three. The implementation of this directive may involve the merging or disbandment of certain teams, at the discretion of relevant commanding officers.
Importantly, the directive does not apply to state-backed security outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, as well as similar initiatives in other states.
The restructuring is expected to redeploy personnel to Police Stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing longstanding concerns about the conduct of some tactical units.
Reaffirming his commitment to accountability and a more citizen-focused police force, principles outlined in his maiden address, the IGP emphasized that the move is aimed at improving supervision, enhancing operational efficiency, and restoring public trust in the Force.
