The Nigeria Police Force has addressed media reports claiming that Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units nationwide. In a Sunday statement signed by DCP Anthony Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, the police described these reports as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s instructions.
According to the statement, IGP Disu directed a reduction, not elimination, of tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels to free personnel for police stations and curb complaints about excesses by tactical units.
The statement emphasized that the IGP, with extensive experience in command positions across the country, values the contribution of tactical teams in crime-fighting but is concerned about their proliferation, which depletes manpower at Police Divisions and raises accountability issues.
Under the directive, tactical teams at Zonal and State levels will be limited to a maximum of five units, while Area Command and Divisional levels will have up to three units. Heads of formations have discretion to merge or disband teams to meet the limits.
The IGP’s directive does not apply to state-created outfits such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, and similar units. The move aims to enhance supervision, strengthen Police Divisions, and reduce complaints from the public, reinforcing accountability and a people-friendly policing approach.
The National Patriots commend the Nigeria Police Force under Olutunji Disu for promptly debunking false claims about the disbandment of police squads. At a time when national security demands accuracy and calm, the deliberate spread of misinformation is irresponsible and destabilising. Nigerians must exercise restraint and verify before sharing. Rumours erode trust, create unnecessary panic, and weaken institutions. National stability depends not just on leadership, but on a disciplined and informed citizenry.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
