Contrary to circulating reports, the Nigeria Police Force has clarified that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, did not disband all tactical units across the country. Instead, the IGP has instructed a reduction in the number of officers in these specialised teams.
Since assuming office in February 2026, Disu has emphasised modern, accountable policing. He recognises that tactical units play a vital role in tackling serious crime; however, he is also concerned that their rapid proliferation has drained manpower from police divisions and sometimes raised public complaints over misconduct.
“Having supervised tactical teams nationwide, the IGP values their contributions to security,” said Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid. “Yet, he is uncomfortable with their numbers and the occasional excesses that come from inadequate supervision.”
To address this, the IGP directed that tactical units at Zonal and State Command levels be trimmed to a maximum of five officers, while Area and Divisional levels are capped at three. This may involve merging or disbanding certain teams at the discretion of formation heads.
Importantly, state-created units such as Lagos Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR remain unaffected. These formations will continue their operations without disruption.
The move is intended to free up personnel for deployment to police stations, strengthening grassroots policing and enhancing public trust. Furthermore, it signals a commitment to professional oversight while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Ultimately, the NPF emphasised that this adjustment reflects a balance between efficiency and accountability, showing that the IGP is keen to maintain public confidence without compromising crime-fighting capabilities.
