By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the Inspector-General, IGP Olatunji Disu, did not order the disbandment of all police units and squads at state commands, contrary to reports circulating in parts of the media.
In a press statement issued on March 22, 2026, the Force described the reports as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directive, noting that the decision was aimed at restructuring and streamlining tactical operations, not dissolving them entirely.
According to the statement signed by Anthony Okon Placid, the Inspector-General acknowledged public concerns regarding the activities of police tactical teams, particularly their proliferation across commands and the alleged excesses linked to poorly supervised units.
“The IGP values the contribution of tactical teams to crime-fighting,” the statement read, “but is concerned about their unchecked expansion, which has depleted manpower at Police Divisions and Posts, while also raising issues affecting the integrity of the Force.”
To address these challenges, the police leadership has directed a reduction in the number of tactical teams. Zonal and State Commands are now limited to a maximum of five tactical units, while Area Commands and Divisions are restricted to three.
The restructuring, the Force said, may involve the merging or disbanding of certain teams at the discretion of heads of formations, rather than a blanket dissolution as previously reported.
The directive excludes state-backed security outfits such as the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, the Special Response Squad in Oyo, and similar initiatives in other states, which remain outside the purview of the order.
The police leadership stated that the move is expected to release personnel back to regular policing duties at stations, thereby strengthening grassroots operations and addressing complaints about inadequate manpower.
In his earlier address to Nigerians, the IGP had pledged to build a more accountable and people-oriented police system. The latest directive, the statement added, is part of broader efforts to enhance supervision, improve operational efficiency, and restore public confidence in the Force.
