By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Force Headquarters clarified that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, did not scrap all police tactical units as widely reported. Instead, the IGP ordered a controlled restructuring and reduction of the units to improve efficiency, supervision, and public trust.
According to the statement, the police will limit tactical teams to a maximum of five at zonal and state command levels, while area commands and divisions will have no more than three units each. The restructuring may involve merging or disbanding some squads, but it is not a blanket dissolution.
The police leadership explained that too many tactical units had stretched manpower and contributed to misconduct due to poor supervision. The new directive aims to return more officers to regular police stations, strengthen oversight, and reduce public complaints.
The clarification also noted that special units created by state governments will not be affected by the restructuring. Overall, the move is intended to streamline operations rather than abolish tactical teams entirely.