Police Clarify IGP Directive Tactical Teams Not Disbanded

Police Clarify IGP Directive Tactical Teams Not Disbanded, Only Reduced to Strengthen Grassroots Policing The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) ordered a blanket disbandment of all tactical units. Instead, the force clarified that it instructed a reduction and restructuring of these teams nationwide a move aimed at boosting grassroots policing and addressing public concerns about the conduct of tactical operatives. Recent media reports suggested that IGP Olatunji Disu had directed the immediate dissolution of numerous police tactical units across state commands. However, the police force described such reports as misleading and inaccurate. In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid, the NPF clarified that the IGP recognises both the necessity of tactical teams in combating crime and the public concerns about their excesses and proliferation.

• Tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels are to be limited to a maximum of five.
• Teams at Area Command and Divisional levels should be capped at three.
• Achieving the new staffing limits may involve merging existing teams or disbanding some, at the discretion of formation heads.

The directive explicitly does not apply to state government created security units such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO‑AKPOR, among others.

• Free up more personnel for deployment to regular police stations and divisions.
• Strengthen grassroots policing, where manpower has been stretched thin due to the large number of tactical teams.
• Address public complaints about alleged excesses by poorly supervised tactical operatives.

This move aligns with wider calls for greater police accountability, professionalism, and improved community relations within the NPF. The NPF emphasised that the IGP’s directive was misrepresented by some media outlets, clarifying that there was no order for outright disbandment of all tactical units but rather a structural reform to better balance tactical and community policing demands. Experts and civil society advocates say the decision to rationalise tactical teams could help resolve longstanding frustrations over police misconduct while enhancing operational capacity at the station level. However, they also stress the need for effective supervision and accountability mechanisms to accompany the reform.

• Clarification IGP Tunji Disu did not disband all tactical police units.
• Directive Tactical teams reduced to set limits per command level.
• Objective Free up personnel for grassroots policing and reduce complaints about tactical team conduct.
• Exception: State‑created security outfits are not affected.