In a sweeping shake-up of Nigeria’s policing structure, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has dismantled all tactical squads nationwide.
The directive effectively ends the operations of several high-profile units within the Nigeria Police Force, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Anti-Robbery, Anti-Kidnapping, and other specialized teams long deployed across commands.
Rather than maintaining multiple independent squads, the police leadership is consolidating operations into a simpler structure, with officers from the disbanded units reassigned to core policing roles such as patrol, investigations, and community-based duties.
Internally, the move is seen as an attempt to reset the force’s operational model, reducing fragmentation and placing greater emphasis on accountability at the divisional level.
For now, only basic surveillance units at area commands and divisions will remain active, pending the rollout of a new structure expected to be formally unveiled at the end-of-month Officers’ Conference.
Although no official justification has been issued, the restructuring aligns with years of criticism over the conduct of tactical teams, which have frequently faced allegations ranging from abuse of power to unprofessional practices.
Alongside the structural overhaul, the police leadership is also revisiting contentious promotion processes, offering another opportunity for senior officers previously sidelined to advance through a fresh evaluation exercise.
The development point to a broader institutional reset—one that could redefine how policing is carried out across the country if effectively implemented.
