In a bold move, the head of the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General Tunji Disu, has issued a sweeping directive ordering the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units across state commands nationwide.
Newsonspot gathered that the directive mandates that all tactical teams at command, area command, and divisional levels be disbanded, regardless of their operational names. Affected units include well-known squads such as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Anti-Robbery, Anti-Kidnapping, Anti-Cultism units, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), as well as Gender and Monitoring units. Pending further directives, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are permitted to function.
Personnel from the dissolved teams are to be immediately redeployed into conventional policing roles, including patrol and guard duties, the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), and general beat assignments. This transition is aimed at strengthening routine policing and improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
Read This: Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector General of Police in Abuja…
The decision comes amid longstanding public concerns over the conduct of some tactical units. Many of these units have faced allegations of human rights abuses, extortion, and involvement in extrajudicial activities.
The restructuring is widely seen as part of efforts to streamline police operations, enhance accountability, and rebuild public trust in law enforcement. It also aligns with the IGP’s earlier commitment to prioritise professionalism, transparency, and community partnership as key pillars of policing in Nigeria.
Observers believe the success of the reform will depend on effective implementation and sustained oversight to ensure that the new structure delivers improved security outcomes across the country.
