PSC Warns Against Misuse of Tactical Units, Approves Appointment of Nine State Commissioners (Full List)

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has raised concerns over the growing misuse of Tactical Units across State Commands, warning that these units must not be allowed to overshadow or replace the recognised Police Departments. In a statement released by the Commission, it noted that some State Commissioners have abused the operations of these Tactical Units, rendering established Police Departments ineffective, even when those departments are led by senior officers such as Deputy Commissioners of Police.

This warning came as the Commission held an interactive session with nine Commissioners of Police recently recommended by the Inspector General of Police for appointment and posting to State Commands. During the session, the PSC reiterated that the newly appointed Commissioners must respect the roles of existing departments and ensure they are allowed to function properly.

Following the interview process, the Commission approved the appointment of the following officers: Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba from Kano State as Commissioner of Police (CP), Zamfara State; Breret Emmanuel Simon from Plateau State as CP, Taraba State; Christopher Ado Emmanuel from Niger State as CP, Yobe State; and Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin from Ondo State, formerly CP Provost, as CP, Cross River State.

Also approved were Adamu Abdullahi Elleman from Jigawa State, formerly Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, as CP, Niger State; Sani Omolori Aliyu from Kogi State as CP, Bauchi Command; Bello Shehu from Gombe State as CP, Katsina Command; Saka Adewale Ajao from Ogun State, who held several notable command positions including AC Basic at Police College Ikeja and second-in-command of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, as CP, FCT Command; and Ojo Adekimi from Ekiti State as CP, Kwara Command.

The interactive session was coordinated by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, a serving Honourable Commissioner at the PSC representing the Police. PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, urged the new Commissioners to be cautious in deploying Tactical Units, emphasizing that they should not usurp the roles of the official departments assigned by the IGP. He highlighted the negative impact of misusing such units and encouraged the CPs to collaborate closely with the Deputy Commissioners heading the recognised departments.

DIG Lakanu also advised the Commissioners to build trust among their subordinates and with the general public, including youth groups, traditional institutions, and professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He cautioned them against forming unnecessary squads, urging instead a focus on professionalism and transparency.

The statement was signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, and dated Monday, March 24, 2025.