By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Inspector-General Olatunji Disu has ordered a nationwide reduction of police tactical teams to improve supervision.

This move aims to address public complaints and ensure professional standards. By streamlining these units, the leadership seeks to build a more accountable force.

Under the new directive, Zonal and State Commands are limited to five tactical units, while Area Commands and Divisions are restricted to three. Anthony Placid stated this will be achieved by “merging or disbanding teams, at the Heads of formations’ discretion.”

The downsizing aims to fix manpower shortages at local stations caused by the proliferation of specialized units. The IGP expects the shift to strengthen community policing, noting that the move will “free personnel for Police Stations, reducing complaints about tactical team excesses.”

While acknowledging their role in fighting crime, the IGP noted that too many units created oversight challenges. He is prioritizing a transparent, people-friendly force by refining existing structures to “enhance supervision of existing teams and remove causes of complaints against the Force.”

This order does not affect state-created security outfits like the Lagos Rapid Response Squad or Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR. Placid clarified that “the teams referred to exclude State Government-created outfits and other similar outfits across the country.”

The police command clarified that tactical units are being strategically reduced, not dissolved entirely. This ensures that the remaining units operate under strict oversight as an “accountable and a people-friendly Force,” fulfilling a key inaugural promise to the public.