Nigerian Police Revamp Tactical Units Across the Nation, Refute Disbandment Claims

The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a countrywide restructuring of its tactical units, affirming that the goal is to enhance both efficiency and accountability within the force.

This announcement follows reports from Sahara Reporters suggesting that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, had ordered the disbandment of all police squads and units at the state command level.

In a statement released late on Sunday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid clarified that the IGP has merely greenlit a restructuring framework designed to optimize operations and respond to public concerns regarding police behavior.

The statement highlighted that the reform is motivated by increasing criticism surrounding the widespread presence of tactical teams across various commands. Many of these units were established by police commissioners and formation heads without sufficient oversight.

While acknowledging the vital role of tactical units in combating crime, Mr. Placid explained that the IGP expressed worries that the excessive numbers of such teams have diluted resources and increased the incidence of misconduct due to inadequate supervision.

“Drawing from his experience in command roles across the country and observing the operational dynamics of tactical teams, the IGP values their contributions to crime-fighting efforts but is concerned about their proliferation. This not only drains the resources of Police Divisions and Posts but also raises integrity issues within the Force due to the excesses of inadequately supervised teams,” the statement stated.

Under the revised structure, tactical units within Zonal and State commands will be limited to a maximum of five, whereas Area Commands and Divisions will be capped at three. The police indicated that this change might involve merging or disbanding existing units at the discretion of commanders.

Furthermore, it was clarified that this restructuring will not impact state- supported security organizations such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State’s Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO- AKPOR.

Mr. Placid expressed the police leadership’s belief that this restructuring will free up more officers for front-line duties at police stations, in turn addressing public complaints related to the misconduct associated with tactical units.