Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has ordered an immediate reduction of police tactical teams across the country.

In this, the force says it seeks to put more officers back into local stations and improve how leaders watch their men.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, shared this news on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

He stated that the IGP wants to stop the unchecked growth of these specialized units.

Punch Newspapers reported that this change will help the force manage its staff better. Consequently, many officers will return to regular duties at the grassroots level.

Under the new rules, state and zonal commands can only have five tactical teams. Area commands and local divisions are now limited to just three teams each.

Restructuring For Better Accountability And Citizen Safety

IGP Disu noted that many small teams operate without enough oversight. Therefore, this often leads to complaints from the public about how officers behave.

“The IGP is aware of public concerns about police tactical teams’ operations and the creation of multiple teams,” Placid stated. He added that the police chief values their work but wants more discipline.

Furthermore, the police alleged that the high number of tactical units has drained manpower from local stations. This has made it harder for people to get help when they visit their neighborhood police posts.

However, this new directive does not affect security groups created by state governments. For example, the Lagos Rapid Response Squad and Oyo Special Response Squad will continue their work as usual.

He believes that bringing these units together will help senior officers track every operation. This step will also ensure that every officer follows the law while on duty.

This development seeks to reduce harassment and illegal arrests on the streets. This may imply that Nigerians should soon see more officers at their local station to help with their security needs.

When police teams are smaller and better watched, the chance for abuse of power drops.

This helps citizens feel safer and builds more trust between you and the men in uniform.

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