IGP Orders Restructuring Of Tactical Teams

The inspector-general of police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, has ordered the restructuring of the multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide.

Force PRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the directive followed public concerns about police tactical teams’ operations and the creation of multiple teams by commissioners of police and heads of formations, which has led to an attendant backlash.

He also said, “Having held command positions nationwide and witnessed tactical teams in action, the IGP values their contribution to crime-fighting. He is, however, uncomfortable with their proliferation, which drains Police divisions and posts of required manpower and raises issues affecting the Force’s integrity due to the excesses of poorly supervised teams.

“To address these issues, the IGP directed the reduction of the tactical teams at zonal and state command levels to a maximum of five, and area command and divisional levels to a maximum of three. This can be achieved by merging or disbanding teams, at the heads of formations’ discretion. The teams referred to exclude State Government-created outfits such as Lagos’ Rapid Response Squad, Oyo’s SRS, and Bayelsa’s Operation DOO-AKPOR, as well as similar outfits across the country.

The IGP expects this move to free personnel for Police Stations, reducing complaints about tactical team excesses.”

The Force PRO also stated that, having emphasised accountability and a people-friendly Force in his maiden address to Nigerians, the IGP took this step to enhance supervision of existing teams, strengthen Police Divisions, and remove causes of complaints against the Force by members of the public.