The Police Service Commission has warned state police commands against allowing tactical units to overshadow recognised police departments, particularly at state headquarters.
The commission expressed concern that some State Commissioners of Police were abusing these units, rendering established police departments ineffective despite being led by Deputy Commissioners of Police.
The PSC issued this warning on Monday during an interactive session with nine newly appointed commissioners recommended by the Inspector General of Police for deployment to various state commands.
In a statement released by PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani, the commission made it clear that newly appointed commissioners must ensure that recognised police departments remain functional.
“The Police Service Commission has warned that tactical units should not be allowed to supplant recognised police departments, especially at state command headquarters,”Ani stated.
He added, “Many state commissioners have abused these amorphous tactical units, rendering recognised police departments redundant, even when they are headed by Deputy Commissioners of Police.”
The PSC has approved the following police commissioner deployments, Zamfara State, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba (from Kano State), Taraba State, Breret Emmanuel Simon (from Plateau State), Yobe State, Christopher Ado Emmanuel (from Niger State), Cross River State, Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin (from Ondo State),Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman (from Jigawa State) Bauchi State, Sani Omolori Aliyu (from Kogi State), Katsina State, Bello Sheh (from Gombe State), FCT Command , Saka Adewale Ajao (from Ogun State) , Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi (from Ekiti State)
The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), emphasised that tactical units should not be misused and must not assume responsibilities meant for officially recognised departments.
“The abuse of power by these tactical units is a serious concern. It is in the interest of the new CPs to work closely with the Deputy Commissioners of Police manning key departments, as they were appointed by the IGP for a reason,”Argungu stated.
Also speaking at the session, DIG Lakanu urged the newly appointed CPs to build trust with local communities, including youths, traditional leaders, and organisations such as the Nigerian Bar Association.
He advised against forming unnecessary squads that could contribute to police brutality or misconduct.
