The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered the outright disbandment of all tactical units across state commands.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the police described the reports as a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directive.
According to the police, some media outlets had claimed that the IGP directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units nationwide. However, the force clarified that this interpretation is inaccurate.
“The attention of the Inspector-General of Police has been drawn to the above-captioned story recently circulated by some online media outlets.
“The publication stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide. This report is a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives,” the statement read in part
The police explained that while the IGP recognises public concerns surrounding the operations of tactical teams, he also acknowledges their critical role in crime-fighting.
“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 brings issues that affect the Force’s integrity because of the excesses of the poorly supervised teams.
