NPF Clarifies IGP Directive on Tactical Units, Denies Disbandment Reports

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports that the inspector-general of police, Tunji Disu, ordered the disbandment of all police units and tactical squads nationwide.

A report circulating on Sunday had claimed that the directive was issued during a virtual meeting with senior officers. However, in a statement, police spokesperson Anthony Placid described the claim as a misrepresentation.

According to the statement, the directive does not call for a total disbandment but instead targets the reduction of tactical teams across commands. The move follows growing public concern over the operations of these units and the increasing number of squads created by commissioners and formation heads.

Placid explained that the expansion of multiple tactical teams has stretched police manpower, weakening personnel availability at divisional levels. To address this, the IGP directed that tactical teams at zonal and state command levels be limited to a maximum of five, while area commands and divisions are restricted to three.

He added that implementation may involve merging or disbanding certain teams, depending on operational needs and at the discretion of command heads.

The directive does not apply to security outfits established by state governments. These include units such as the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR.

The police leadership said the measure is intended to improve supervision, strengthen divisional policing, and reassign officers to stations where they are needed most. It also aims to address recurring public complaints linked to the conduct of tactical teams.

The NPF noted that the directive aligns with the IGP’s broader focus on accountability and a more community-oriented policing approach.