The Police Service Commission (PSC) has officially approved the deployment of nine new Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various state commands across the country. In a move aimed at ensuring effective policing, the commission has also issued a strong directive regarding the operations of Tactical Units within the police force.
The PSC emphasized that Tactical Units must not overshadow or replace the core functions of conventional police departments, warning against the growing trend where some CPs have allegedly misused these units, leading to weakened police structures and command instability.
PSC’s Directive on Tactical Units
In a statement released by PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission made it clear that Tactical Units, while important for crime-fighting, must operate strictly within their mandated roles and not function as autonomous entities.
PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, expressed concerns over past incidents where Tactical Units have been deployed without proper coordination, sometimes bypassing established police divisions and command structures. He warned that any CP found abusing these units would face serious consequences.
According to Argungu:
“Tactical Units must work in synergy with conventional police divisions and not undermine their effectiveness. We have seen cases where these units operate outside their mandates, causing public distrust and inefficiency. The newly appointed CPs must ensure that such practices do not continue under their leadership.”
The Commission’s directive is seen as part of broader efforts to reform policing strategies and improve security coordination across the country.
Newly Appointed Commissioners of Police and Their Postings
The following officers have been appointed and posted to different state commands:
- Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba – CP Zamfara (from Kano State)
- Breret Emmanuel Simon – CP Taraba (from Plateau State)
- Christopher Ado Emmanuel – CP Yobe (from Niger State)
- Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin – CP Cross River (from Ondo State)
- Adamu Abdullahi Elleman – CP Niger (previously Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, from Jigawa State)
- Sani Omolori Aliyu – CP Bauchi (from Kogi State)
- Bello Shehu – CP Katsina (from Gombe State)
- Saka Adewale Ajao – CP Federal Capital Territory (from Ogun State)
- Ojo Adekimi – CP Kwara (from Ekiti State)
PSC’s Expectations from the New CPs
The selection and interview process for the appointed CPs was supervised by retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, who represents the police at the PSC. He urged the appointees to:
- Strengthen community policing efforts by collaborating with local stakeholders such as traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
- Avoid unnecessary creation of special squads, emphasizing the need to optimize the performance of existing police structures rather than forming parallel units.
- Uphold professionalism and accountability, ensuring that their commands operate efficiently and lawfully.
Lakanu stressed that effective policing relies on teamwork, adherence to established protocols, and strategic engagement with the communities they serve.
Security Experts and Public Reactions
Concerns Over Tactical Unit Abuses
Security analysts have welcomed the PSC’s strict directive on Tactical Units, citing previous cases where these units operated independently, leading to human rights violations, excessive force, and corruption.
A senior security consultant stated:
“Tactical Units are meant to support crime-fighting efforts, not become personal enforcers for certain CPs. The PSC’s warning is timely, and we hope the new CPs will ensure better oversight of these units.”
Public Trust and Community Engagement
Many Nigerians believe that the success of these new appointments will depend on the CPs’ ability to foster trust between the police and local communities. Residents in states like Zamfara, Taraba, and Katsina, which have experienced high levels of insecurity, are eager to see how the new police leadership will handle banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
A resident of Gusau, Zamfara State, expressed hope that the new CP will take bold actions against criminal elements in the region:
“We are tired of empty promises. We need real security measures that will protect lives and property. The new CPs must work closely with the people to understand the security challenges we face.”
Conclusion
With the appointment of nine new Commissioners of Police, the PSC has reinforced its commitment to police reforms and operational efficiency. The warning against the misuse of Tactical Units is a crucial step toward ensuring professionalism, accountability, and improved policing.
As these CPs assume office, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how they implement crime-fighting strategies, enhance community engagement, and uphold the rule of law in their respective commands.
The question remains: Will these new appointments bring the needed change, or will policing challenges persist? The coming months will provide the answer.
