‎Police chief trims tactical teams for better supervision

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‎…The Police Public Relations Officer, explained that the move followed concerns about the growing number of tactical units and alleged misconduct by inadequately supervised teams.

‎‎ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a reduction in the number of tactical teams across police formations nationwide to improve supervision and respond to public complaints.

‎Under the directive, zonal and state commands are to maintain no more than five tactical teams each, while area commands and divisions are limited to a maximum of three teams.

‎The Police Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, explaining that the move followed concerns about the growing number of tactical units and alleged misconduct by inadequately supervised teams.

‎He noted that the reduction could be implemented through the merging or disbandment of teams, depending on decisions taken by heads of formations.

‎Placid added that the measure is expected to release more personnel for deployment to police stations and divisions currently facing manpower shortages due to the expansion of tactical units.

‎He clarified that the directive does not apply to state government-established outfits such as the Rapid Response Squad, Special Response Squad, and Operation DOO-AKPOR, as well as similar units nationwide.

‎According to him, the decision is aimed at strengthening supervision, improving accountability, reducing complaints against tactical teams, and enhancing grassroots policing.

‎He reiterated that the Inspector General had earlier emphasised accountability and a people-friendly police force, and that the directive is part of efforts to reinforce those goals.

‎The clarification follows a media report that claimed the police chief ordered the immediate dissolution of tactical units across state commands, which the Force described as a misrepresentation.

‎Placid stressed that the directive only mandates a reduction in the number of teams, not their outright disbandment, noting that while tactical units remain vital in crime-fighting, their proliferation has strained manpower at police divisions and created supervision challenges affecting the Force’s integrity.

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