Breaking: IGP Disu did not disband Police units – Force

By Tolulope Oke

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all tactical units and squads across state commands.

A statement released on Sunday clarified that the reports circulating online misrepresented the IGP’s directives. The Force explained that the IGP is concerned about the proliferation of tactical teams at state and divisional levels, which has, in some cases, strained manpower and led to complaints about misconduct.

To address the issue, the IGP directed that:

Tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels be reduced to a maximum of five.
Area Command and Divisional teams be limited to three.

The move is aimed at improving supervision, freeing up personnel for regular police duties, and reducing complaints against poorly supervised tactical units.

The directive does not affect state government-created outfits such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, or Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR. Command Heads have discretion to merge or restructure teams as needed.

According to the statement, the IGP, a seasoned officer with experience in command positions nationwide, values the role of tactical teams in crime-fighting but wants their operations to be more accountable and people-friendly.

DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, said the restructuring is part of a broader effort to strengthen Police Divisions, enhance operational efficiency, and restore public trust.