The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports circulating in sections of the media claiming that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) ordered the disbandment of all tactical units across state commands nationwide.
In an official statement released on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer clarified that the report misrepresented the directive issued by the IGP. According to the statement, the police chief did not order a blanket dissolution of tactical squads but instead directed a structured reduction in their number.
The clarification noted that the IGP, who is aware of growing public concerns over the operations of tactical teams, particularly their alleged excesses, considered it necessary to address the proliferation of such units across commands. The statement explained that the unchecked expansion of these teams has not only strained manpower at police divisions but has also contributed to issues affecting the Force’s integrity.
To tackle these challenges, the IGP has ordered that tactical teams at the zonal and state command levels be reduced to a maximum of five, while those at the area command and divisional levels are to be limited to three. The directive allows heads of formations to either merge or disband units as deemed appropriate.
The police further clarified that the directive does not apply to state government-backed security outfits, including Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Security Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.
According to the statement, the move is aimed at improving supervision, enhancing accountability, and addressing public complaints linked to the activities of tactical teams. It is also expected to free up personnel for deployment to police stations, thereby strengthening grassroots policing.
The Force reiterated its commitment to building a more professional and people-friendly police service, emphasizing that the reform is part of broader efforts to restore public confidence.
