The Nigeria Police Force has moved to correct what it describes as a “misrepresentation” of the Inspector-General of Police’s recent directive regarding tactical teams operating across state commands, clarifying that the order entails streamlining and not a wholesale disbandment of units.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, dismissed online reports claiming that IGP Olatunji Disu had ordered the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units nationwide.
“The publication stated that the Inspector-General of Police directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide. This report is a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives,” the statement read.
According to the Force Headquarters, the IGP—described as a “grassroots officer with a profound network across Nigerian society”—acknowledged the public concerns regarding the operations of police tactical teams. The statement noted that the proliferation of such units by Commissioners of Police and Heads of formations had led to a drain on manpower from regular police divisions and posts, as well as complaints about excesses arising from poor supervision.
To address these issues without compromising the gains made in crime-fighting, the IGP directed a significant reduction in the number of tactical teams. Under the new directive, Zonal and State Commands are now permitted to maintain a maximum of five tactical teams, while Area Commands and Divisional levels are capped at a maximum of three.
The statement clarified that Heads of formations have the discretion to achieve this by merging or disbanding teams as they see fit. It also specifically noted that the directive does not affect state government-created security outfits such as the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Security Rapid Response Squad (SRS), Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, and similar outfits across the country.
“The IGP expects this move to free personnel for Police Stations, reducing complaints about tactical team excesses,” the statement added.
The Force reiterated that the IGP, who recently emphasized accountability and a people-friendly Force in his maiden address to Nigerians, took this step to enhance the supervision of existing teams, strengthen police divisions, and remove causes of complaints against the Force by members of the public.
DCP Anthony Okon Placid signed the statement from Force Headquarters, Abuja, on March 22, 2026.
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