IGP Disu Denies Disbandment of Police Units, Orders Restructuring

The Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has refuted widespread reports claiming he ordered the disbandment of all police tactical units across state commands, describing the publication as a misrepresentation of his directive.

In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the Nigeria Police Force clarified that the Inspector-General did not dissolve tactical squads nationwide but instead directed a structured reduction and reorganisation of such units.

According to the statement, the IGP acknowledged growing public concerns over the operations of police tactical teams and the unchecked proliferation of these units by some Commissioners of Police and heads of formations. He noted that while tactical teams play a critical role in crime-fighting, their excessive numbers have strained manpower at police divisions and contributed to operational abuses due to poor supervision.

To address these challenges, the IGP ordered that tactical teams at the Zonal and State Command levels be reduced to a maximum of five. In contrast, those at the Area Command and Divisional levels are limited to three. The restructuring, the statement noted, may involve merging or disbanding certain teams at the discretion of commanding officers.

The directive, however, excludes state government-established outfits such as Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad, Oyo State’s Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa State’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.

The police leadership emphasised that the move is aimed at improving accountability, enhancing supervision, and redeploying personnel to strengthen police stations across the country. It is also expected to address recurring complaints from members of the public regarding misconduct by tactical units.

Reaffirming his commitment to a people-centred policing approach, the IGP stated that the reform is part of broader efforts to restore public trust and improve the overall integrity of the Force.