IGP Disu Disbands RRS, SWAT and Other Tactical Teams in Major Shake-Up

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered the immediate disbandment of multiple tactical units across the Nigeria Police Force, marking one of the most extensive structural changes in recent years.

The directive affects several units, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Anti-Cultism units, Anti-Kidnapping squads, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad, Gender Units and Anti-Robbery teams, among others.

The decision was communicated through an internal wireless message issued after a virtual meeting between the Inspector-General and senior police officers. According to the message, all tactical teams operating at command, area command and divisional levels have been dissolved with immediate effect, regardless of their operational names.

The communication further stated that the disbanded units will be reorganised into two new formations. Their structure and operational names are to be determined by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.

It also made clear that units previously known by names such as Lion, Tiger and Scorpion squads are no longer permitted to operate in their existing form.

As part of interim arrangements, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are allowed to continue limited operations pending further directives. Officers affected by the dissolution have been ordered to return to conventional policing roles, including patrol duties, guard assignments, Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC) and general beat responsibilities.

“The dissolved teams are to be subsumed into patrol and guard, DCB, JWC and beat with immediate effect,” the directive stated.

The police leadership indicated that further details on the restructuring process will be announced during the Officers’ Conference scheduled for March 26, 2026.

While no official reason was provided for the sweeping changes, the move comes amid longstanding public complaints about the conduct of some tactical units. Several of the disbanded teams have faced repeated allegations of human rights abuses, extortion and involvement in extrajudicial operations.

The development follows another recent directive by the Inspector-General ordering a special resit promotion examination and interactive session for senior officers who were unsuccessful in previous promotion cycles.

A separate internal message dated March 16, 2026, showed that the Police Service Commission had rescheduled the exercise for Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) affected by the December 2025 and March 2026 promotion processes.

Sources within the force have alleged that earlier promotion exercises were influenced by irregularities, including bribery, which led to the advancement of junior officers over more senior personnel.

The current police leadership is said to be taking steps to address these concerns by introducing a more transparent review process for affected officers.

Commands nationwide have been directed to release eligible officers to participate in the rescheduled exercise. Participants are expected to prepare in key areas such as professional studies, law and relevant local legislation.

Security arrangements have also been outlined for the exercise. The mobile police unit has been tasked with providing armed personnel for escort duties, while the transport unit is to deploy serviceable vehicles to support logistics at the Force Headquarters Parade Ground.