The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed a nationwide reduction in the number of police tactical teams to improve supervision, boost accountability, and address growing public complaints about their operations.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Okon Placid, issued in Abuja on Sunday, tactical teams at zonal and state command levels are now limited to a maximum of five, while those at area commands and divisions are capped at three.
Formation heads have the discretion to achieve this through mergers or disbandment where necessary.
The directive aims to tackle the proliferation of tactical units, which has led to supervision challenges, alleged excesses by poorly monitored teams, and manpower shortages at police stations and divisions.
By rationalising these teams, the IGP seeks to redeploy personnel to grassroots policing, strengthen community-level security, and reduce friction with the public.
Placid clarified that the measure does not apply to state government-established outfits, such as the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Oyo State Special Response Squad (SRS), Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, or similar units in other states.
“The IGP expects this move to free personnel for police stations and reduce complaints about tactical team excesses,” Placid stated.
He added that the decision aligns with the IGP’s emphasis on a people-friendly, accountable police force, as highlighted in his maiden address.
The Force acknowledged the valuable role tactical teams play in combating crime but expressed concern over their unchecked growth, which has strained resources and undermined the Force’s integrity in some instances.
This restructuring follows earlier media reports that misinterpreted the directive as a complete disbandment of tactical units, prompting the clarification from Force Headquarters.
The changes are part of broader reforms under IGP Disu to promote professionalism, public trust, and effective policing across Nigeria.
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