IGP Orders Reduction of Tactical Teams to Strengthen Police Divisions

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed a reduction in the number of tactical teams across police formations nationwide, a move aimed at enhancing supervision and addressing public complaints.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, tactical teams at zonal and state command levels are now limited to a maximum of five, while area commands and divisions are restricted to a maximum of three. Heads of formations are expected to achieve this through the merging or disbanding of existing units.

The police spokesperson explained that the directive was prompted by concerns over the proliferation of tactical teams, which has contributed to manpower shortages at police stations and divisions, as well as allegations of excesses by poorly supervised units.

He clarified that the directive does not affect state government-created outfits such as the Lagos Rapid Response Squad, Oyo Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, among others.

The Force said the decision is intended to free up personnel for deployment to grassroots policing, improve accountability, and reduce complaints against tactical teams.

The clarification followed a media report suggesting that the IGP had ordered the immediate dissolution of all tactical units. The Force described that report as a misrepresentation, noting that the IG acknowledged the contributions of tactical teams to crime-fighting but expressed concern over their unchecked proliferation and the resulting supervision challenges.