Nigeria Police Force Clarifies Strategic Reduction of Tactical Units Under Inspector-General Olatunji Disu’s Reform Mandate

Inspector-General Olatunji Disu trims police tactical units to 3-5 officers to boost accountability and strengthen grassroots policing across Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 6:06 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Strategic Reorganization of Specialized Police Formations

The Nigeria Police Force has officially addressed misconceptions regarding the operational status of its specialized teams, clarifying that Inspector-General Olatunji Disu has opted for a strategic thinning of ranks rather than a total disbandment. Since taking the helm in February 2026, the Inspector-General has sought to pivot the force toward a model of modern and accountable policing. This restructuring effort is specifically designed to address the rapid proliferation of these units, which has historically led to a depletion of manpower within standard police divisions and a rise in public allegations of professional misconduct.

New Manpower Caps at Zonal and Divisional Levels

Under the new directives issued by the police high command, strict personnel limits have been established to ensure more effective oversight and professional discipline. Tactical units operating at the Zonal and State Command levels are now capped at a maximum of five officers, while teams at the Area and Divisional levels are restricted to just three personnel. According to Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid, these adjustments may require formation heads to merge or dissolve certain teams to comply with the new standards. The primary objective is to curb the occasional excesses that arise from inadequate supervision within oversized or redundant units.

Exemptions for State Created Security Formations

Despite the broader reduction in federal tactical strength, several high profile security outfits established at the state level will remain fully operational and unaffected by the new personnel caps. These include the Lagos Rapid Response Squad, the Oyo State Special Response Squad, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR. The Inspector-General has recognized the unique contributions these localized teams make to regional stability, ensuring that their specific mandates and existing structures are preserved to avoid any disruption in the security architecture of these high priority states.