The Nigeria Police Force has refuted reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the wholesale disbandment of all police tactical units across state commands.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the Force described the report circulating on some online platforms as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directive.

According to the statement, the IGP did not order a blanket dissolution of tactical squads but instead directed a restructuring aimed at reducing their proliferation and improving operational efficiency.

The police hierarchy acknowledged growing public concerns over the activities of tactical teams, particularly the unchecked creation of multiple units by some Commissioners of Police and heads of formations, which has reportedly led to operational excesses and reputational challenges for the Force.

Drawing from his experience across various command positions nationwide, Disu emphasised the critical role tactical teams play in crime-fighting. However, he expressed concern that their unchecked expansion has depleted manpower at police divisions and posts, while also creating accountability issues due to poor supervision.

To address these concerns, the IGP directed that tactical teams at the zonal and state command levels be reduced to a maximum of five, while those at the area command and divisional levels should not exceed three.

The directive, the Force clarified, allows for flexibility, as commands may either merge or disband units to meet the new structure at the discretion of heads of formations.

The police also noted that the directive does not apply to state-backed security 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 restructuring, according to the IGP, is expected to free up personnel for deployment to police stations, enhance supervision of tactical operations, and reduce public complaints about misconduct.

The Force reiterated its commitment to accountability and people-oriented policing, noting that the move aligns with the IGP’s earlier pledge to strengthen professionalism and rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.