BREAKING: Nigeria Police inspector – General Orders Nationwide Disbandment of Special Units, Announces Sweeping Structural Reforms!

Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

In a significant and potentially far-reaching development within Nigeria’s security architecture, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly ordered the immediate disbandment of all police tactical units and squads across the country, alongside a directive for comprehensive restructuring of the force.

The directive, which is emerging as one of the most sweeping internal reforms in recent policing history, is said to affect multiple specialized units within the Nigeria Police Force. These units—many of which were originally established to combat violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism—have, over time, come under scrutiny amid persistent allegations of abuse, misconduct, and lack of accountability.

According to initial reports, the restructuring order mandates an immediate halt to the operations of these units pending a full review of their operational frameworks, personnel conduct, and command structures. While official details remain limited at the time of filing this report, sources within security circles suggest the move is aimed at restoring public confidence, improving discipline, and aligning policing standards with democratic norms and human rights expectations.

This development comes against the backdrop of longstanding public concerns over police brutality and misuse of power, issues that gained global attention during the End SARS protests. The protests, which erupted nationwide in 2020, were sparked by widespread anger against the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit accused of extrajudicial killings, extortion, and harassment of civilians, particularly young Nigerians.

Despite the official dissolution of SARS at the time, critics have argued that similar practices persisted under different unit names, raising questions about the depth and sincerity of earlier reforms. The latest directive by the Inspector-General appears to signal a renewed attempt to address these systemic challenges more decisively.

Security analysts note that while the disbandment of tactical units may temporarily disrupt certain operational capacities, it also presents an opportunity for institutional reset. “This is a critical moment for the Nigeria Police Force to rebuild trust and redefine its relationship with citizens,” said one Lagos-based security expert. “However, the success of this reform will depend on transparency, proper retraining, and the establishment of clear accountability mechanisms.”

There are also concerns about potential security gaps that may arise during the transition period, particularly in regions grappling with high levels of criminal activity, including banditry and kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria. Observers stress that any restructuring must be carefully managed to avoid weakening frontline responses to these threats.

As of press time, the police high command has yet to release a comprehensive public statement detailing the scope, timeline, and implementation strategy for the restructuring process. It remains unclear whether new units will be created to replace those disbanded, or whether existing personnel will be redeployed under revised operational guidelines.

The Nigerian government has, in recent years, faced mounting pressure from civil society organizations, international human rights groups, and citizens to implement meaningful police reforms. This latest move is likely to attract both cautious optimism and intense scrutiny from stakeholders across the country and beyond.

Reputable media organizations including BBC News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The Guardian have consistently reported on issues surrounding police reform and accountability in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of the End SARS protests. Their continued coverage underscores the global relevance of developments within Nigeria’s policing system.

As more details emerge, Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor and provide in-depth coverage of this unfolding story, with a focus on its implications for governance, security, and civil liberties across Nigeria.

Sources: BBC News; Reuters; Al Jazeera; The Guardian.

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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