Police Shake-Up: IGP Orders Dissolution of Tactical Units Nationwide Amid Reform Push

Sweeping Directive Restructures Police Operations Across Nigeria

A major restructuring within the Nigeria Police Force has triggered widespread reactions following an order by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directing the immediate dissolution of several tactical units operating across commands nationwide.

The directive, reportedly issued after a virtual meeting with senior police officers, mandates that all existing tactical teams—regardless of their operational names—be disbanded and restructured into a new operational framework.

According to Akahi News, affected units include the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad, Gender Units, and Anti-Robbery squads, among others.

This sweeping move raises a fundamental question: Is this the beginning of genuine reform—or simply a rebranding of existing structures?

New Structure, Redeployment of Personnel

Details of the directive indicate that the dissolved units are to be reorganised into two newly structured teams, with official operational names to be announced by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.

In the interim, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are permitted to function, pending further clarification.

Personnel previously attached to the disbanded units are to be redeployed into conventional policing roles, including patrol duties, the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), and general beat assignments.

Akahi News gathered that the aim is to streamline operations and possibly restore discipline within the force.

Yet, this development invites reflection: Can structural changes alone correct deeply rooted institutional challenges?

Reform Comes Amid Longstanding Public Concerns

Although no official reason has been publicly detailed for the overhaul, the decision comes against the backdrop of persistent allegations against some tactical units, including claims of human rights abuses, extortion, and extrajudicial practices.

Public trust in certain units has, over time, been eroded by reports of misconduct, prompting repeated calls for reform.

This context raises a critical philosophical dilemma: When institutions lose public trust, is reform enough—or is accountability the true starting point?

Promotion Controversy Adds Another Layer

In a related development, the police leadership has also initiated a special resit promotion examination and interactive session for senior officers who were reportedly overlooked in previous promotion cycles.

A confidential internal signal revealed that the exercise will accommodate Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Chief Superintendents (CSPs), and Superintendents (SPs) who were unsuccessful in earlier evaluations.

According to Akahi News, the move is seen as an attempt to address grievances and ensure fairness within the system.

Sources had earlier alleged that irregularities, including bribery, influenced past promotion processes, sidelining qualified officers while advancing others.

This raises yet another question: Can an institution rebuild credibility without confronting the shadows of its past?

Tight Security for Promotion Exercise

To ensure the integrity of the upcoming exercise, the police hierarchy has ordered heightened security arrangements.

Officers participating in the resit are expected to undergo rigorous assessment, with emphasis on professional knowledge, legal frameworks, and operational competence.

The directive also includes provisions for armed escort and logistical support, signalling the importance attached to the process.

Akahi News learnt that authorities aim to restore confidence among officers while reinforcing merit-based progression.

A Turning Point or Temporary Measure?

The dissolution of tactical units and the planned restructuring represent one of the most significant internal changes within the Nigeria Police Force in recent times.

However, analysts remain cautious, noting that reforms in law enforcement often require sustained commitment beyond policy announcements.

Will this restructuring lead to a more accountable and effective police force?
Or will it simply replace one system with another under a different name?

As the Nigeria Police Force embarks on this path of restructuring, the stakes are high—not just for the institution, but for the citizens it serves.

The coming weeks, particularly the Officers’ Conference scheduled for March 26, are expected to provide further clarity on the direction of these reforms.

In the end, the true measure of success will not lie in policy changes alone, but in the restoration of public trust and the consistent delivery of justice.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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