IGP Disu Denies Dismantling of Tactical Units Across Nigeria
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has firmly denied reports circulating in some online media outlets that he ordered the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide. In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DC Anthony Placid, the police leadership clarified that the information is inaccurate and misrepresents the actual directives of the IGP.
Clarification on IGP's Directives
DC Placid explained that the IGP's directive is focused on reducing the number of tactical teams at specific levels, not dissolving them entirely. According to the statement, the IGP has mandated a reduction of tactical teams at Zonal and State Command levels to a maximum of five, and at Area Command and Divisional levels to a maximum of three. This move aims to address concerns about the proliferation of such teams, which has been draining manpower from Police Divisions and Posts, and leading to issues that affect the Force's integrity due to poor supervision.
The IGP, described as a grassroots officer with a profound network across Nigerian society, is aware of public concerns regarding the operations of police tactical teams and the creation of multiple teams by Commissioners of Police and Heads of formations, which has attracted backlash. The statement emphasized that the IGP values the contribution of tactical teams to crime-fighting, having held command positions nationwide and witnessed their actions firsthand.
Rationale Behind the Reduction
The reduction directive is intended to free up personnel for deployment to Police Stations, thereby addressing complaints about tactical team excesses. It excludes State Government-created outfits such as Lagos' Rapid Response Squad, Oyo's SRS, and Bayelsa's Operation DOO-AKPOR, among other similar units across the country. The IGP expects this adjustment to enhance supervision of existing teams, strengthen Police Divisions, and remove causes of public complaints against the Force.
In his maiden address to Nigerians, the IGP emphasized accountability and a people-friendly Force, and this step aligns with that vision. The reduction can be achieved by merging or disbanding teams at the discretion of the Heads of formations, ensuring a more streamlined and effective policing structure.
