The Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has debunked widespread reports claiming he ordered the outright disbandment of all police tactical units across Nigeria, describing the narrative as a misrepresentation of his directive.
In an official statement issued on 22nd March, 2026 by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the Nigeria Police Force clarified that the Inspector-General’s directive is not a blanket dissolution, but a calculated restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and public trust.
The clarification follows viral reports suggesting that Disu had directed Commissioners of Police nationwide to immediately scrap multiple tactical squads operating within state commands — a move that sparked confusion and concern among citizens and stakeholders.
According to the statement, while the IGP acknowledges growing public dissatisfaction over the conduct of some tactical teams, he also recognises their critical role in combating crime across the country. However, he expressed concern over what he described as the unchecked proliferation of these units, many of which were created at the discretion of state and zonal commands.
The police chief warned that the excessive number of tactical teams has not only stretched manpower thin but has also contributed to operational lapses and misconduct due to poor supervision, thereby affecting the integrity of the Force.
To address these challenges, Disu has ordered a structured reduction in the number of tactical units. Under the new directive, Zonal and State Commands are to operate no more than five tactical teams each, while Area Commands and Divisions are limited to a maximum of three units.
The implementation, the statement noted, will be left to the discretion of Heads of formations, who may either merge or disband existing teams to comply with the new structure.
Importantly, the directive does not affect specialised outfits established by state governments, including Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.
The IGP believes that reducing the number of tactical units will free up much-needed personnel for deployment at Police Divisions and Stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing and addressing persistent complaints about inadequate manpower at the local level.
Reaffirming his commitment to reform, Disu stressed that the move aligns with his earlier promise to build a more accountable and people-friendly police force. He noted that improved supervision of fewer, well-structured teams would help curb abuses and restore public confidence.
The police hierarchy has urged the public and media organisations to disregard the misleading reports and rely on verified information from official channels regarding ongoing reforms within the Force.