Gains of IGP Disu’s Bold Tactical Team Reform

 



Over a week ago, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, issued an internal signal that was initially misinterpreted by a section of the Nigerian media as a directive proscribing notable police tactical squads across the country.


A swift clarification by police authorities, however, put the matter in proper perspective, explaining that the directive was aimed at curbing the proliferation of tactical teams rather than abolishing established units.


The policy is one of several reforms introduced since his assumption of office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police. It reflects a deliberate effort to address longstanding structural and operational concerns within the Force.


For years, Nigerians have witnessed the unchecked creation of multiple tactical teams, often with limited measurable impact on crime reduction. In many instances, these units have been linked to routine stop-and-search operations that have attracted public criticism over allegations of extortion, misconduct, and abuse of power.


The new directive, which significantly limits the number of tactical teams at state and area command levels, is expected to redirect personnel and logistical resources to divisional police units - the primary interface for community policing. Over time, these divisions have been weakened as officers and resources were reassigned to newly created tactical formations.


Given that a substantial proportion of crimes occur within local jurisdictions, strengthening divisional policing aligns with the broader objective of grassroots security. Reassigning personnel to these units is expected to improve responsiveness, enhance visibility, and deepen community engagement.


In addition, reducing the number of tactical teams is likely to improve oversight and discipline. A more streamlined structure allows for clearer mandates, better supervision, and increased accountability among officers. This is particularly critical in addressing past incidents involving misconduct that fall short of modern policing standards.


The reform also signals responsiveness to public concerns about policing practices. By restructuring units previously associated with inefficiencies or abuse, the initiative presents an opportunity to rebuild public trust and reinforce adherence to human rights standards.


Furthermore, rationalising tactical operations will help eliminate role duplication, improve coordination, and ensure more efficient deployment of resources across commands.


Overall, the policy represents a strategic shift towards a more accountable, community-focused policing model. Its success, however, will depend on consistent implementation, sustained oversight, and measurable improvements in service delivery at the divisional level.


Femi Malik, Head, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HON. SOLA GIWA APPROVES TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF BRT LANE ENFORCEMENT ON EKO BRIDGE AND ODO IYA-ALARO AXES AMID ONGOING IFAKO BRIDGE REHABILITATION

Image
  In a proactive and strategic intervention aimed at ameliorating the growing traffic congestion precipitated by the ongoing structural rehabilitation of the Ifako Bridge expansion joint, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, has granted formal approval for the temporary suspension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane enforcement along the Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro corridors. This remedial measure, conceived as a palliative response to mitigate commuter hardship, aligns with the Lagos State Government’s forward-thinking and adaptive transportation strategy under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, particularly within the framework of sustainable traffic management and infrastructure modernization. Reiterating the administration’s unwavering resolve to improve road infrastructure and enhance urban mobility, Hon. Giwa noted that the suspension is transitional and conditional, structured specifically to absorb the anticip...
Read more

Oki Community Rejects Hon. Abiodun Ejigbadero as APC Candidate in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA

Image
--- The people of the Oki community in Alimosho Local Government have publicly rejected the candidature of Hon. Abiodun Ejigbadero as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer for Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA). This rejection was expressed through a peaceful protest staged at Iyana Ipaja, where community members voiced their concerns and dissatisfaction. The protesters made it clear that they do not wish to be represented by someone they described as a “land grabber.” Speaking to journalists, the Akinrogun of Oki Kingdom, Chief Olatunde Durosimi, explained that the protest was driven by ongoing issues within the community, specifically involving Mr. Ejigbadero. According to Chief Durosimi, the community has been embroiled in a land dispute with Mr. Ejigbadero, a matter that is currently being contested in court. “We are opposed to his candidature because of his conduct within the community. Recently, during another protest, one of his boys allegedly killed a...
Read more

HON. PRINCE SEYI LAWAL WEDS IN LAVISH NIKKAH CEREMONY AS FRIENDS, LAWMAKERS OFFER PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS

Image
  The city of Lagos played host to a joyful and high-profile Nikkah ceremony over the weekend as Hon. Prince Seyi Lawal tied the knot with his beloved bride in the presence of friends, family, and prominent political figures. The event was filled with love, celebration, and spiritual blessings as well-wishers gathered to witness the union of the couple and offer prayers for a lasting, prosperous marriage. In a highlight moment of the ceremony, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, prayed fervently over the couple, invoking God’s blessings, lasting friendship, and divine direction in their new journey together. He encouraged the couple to always put God first, walk in understanding, and remain united through all seasons of marriage. > “Marriage is not only about love but also about friendship, sacrifice, and shared purpose,” Mr. Ayinde said during his blessing. “May your union be blessed with peace, joy, and a bond that deepens with time.” Also present at t...
Read more