Police cut tactical teams nationwide, retain state-backed security outfits

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a reduction in the number of tactical teams across police formations nationwide in a move aimed at improving supervision, accountability and personnel deployment.

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

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, said the measure followed public complaints over the growing number of tactical units and allegations of misconduct by some poorly supervised operatives.

He explained that heads of formations have been authorised to achieve the reduction through the merging or disbandment of teams where necessary.

According to him, the directive is expected to release more personnel to police stations and divisions currently facing manpower shortages as a result of the expansion of tactical units.

The police spokesman clarified that the directive does not affect security outfits created by state governments, including Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, the Special Response Squad in Ibadan, and Operation DOO-AKPOR in Bayelsa State.

He noted that the Inspector-General believes the step will strengthen police divisions at the grassroots, improve oversight of tactical operations and address persistent complaints from members of the public over the conduct of some teams.

The Force also dismissed reports suggesting a total dissolution of tactical units, insisting that the directive only concerns reduction and restructuring, not outright disbandment.

According to the statement, while tactical teams remain important in crime-fighting, their proliferation has affected manpower distribution and created supervision challenges within the Force.