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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has responded to recent online reports claiming he ordered the outright disbandment of all police units and squads at state commands.
In a statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, PSC(+) mni, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, 22nd March 2026, the IGP clarified that the reports misrepresented his directives.
The statement noted that IGP Olatunji Disu, a career officer with extensive experience across Nigeria, is aware of public concerns regarding police tactical teams and the proliferation of multiple units by Commissioners of Police and formation heads, which has sometimes caused operational and public trust challenges.
The release highlighted, “Having served in command positions nationwide, the IGP appreciates the role of tactical teams in crime-fighting. However, he is concerned that their uncontrolled expansion drains manpower from Police Divisions and Posts, and contributes to integrity issues arising from poorly supervised units.”
To address this, the IGP directed that tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels be limited to five, and those at Area Command and Divisional levels to a maximum of three. Heads of formations may achieve this through merging or disbanding units. The directive excludes State Government-created units such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others. The aim is to redeploy personnel to Police Stations and reduce complaints linked to tactical team activities.
Reinforcing his commitment to a people-friendly and accountable police force, the IGP emphasized that this restructuring will improve supervision, strengthen Police Divisions, and remove sources of public grievances against the Force.
Report by Dayo Emmanuel
