The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the dissolution of tactical units nationwide, describing such claims as misleading.

In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police clarified that the directive was for a reduction not disbandment of tactical teams across Zonal and State Commands.

According to the statement, the IGP issued the directive in response to growing public concerns over the conduct and excesses of some tactical units, as well as the unchecked proliferation of such teams by various commands.

“The report is a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives,” the statement said, noting that while the IGP acknowledges the importance of tactical teams in crime-fighting, he is concerned about their increasing numbers and the strain they place on manpower at police divisions.

The Force explained that the over-expansion of tactical units has weakened operations at police stations and contributed to cases of misconduct due to inadequate supervision.

To address this, the IGP directed that tactical teams be limited to a maximum of five at Zonal and State Command levels, and three at Area Command and Divisional levels. The implementation, the police said, will be handled by heads of formations through restructuring, including mergers where necessary.

The statement also clarified that the directive does not affect state-backed security outfits such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s Special Response Squad (SRS), and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR.

The police added that the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving accountability, strengthening supervision, and promoting a more people-friendly policing system while maintaining operational effectiveness.