By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a strong caution regarding the misuse of Tactical Units within state police commands, emphasizing that these units should not replace the established and recognized police departments. The Commission expressed concern over the growing trend where some State Commissioners of Police have misused tactical units, rendering crucial police departments, even those led by Deputy Commissioners of Police, ineffective.
The warning was delivered during the approval process of nine new Commissioners of Police (CPs), nominated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for assignment to various state commands. The PSC stressed that the newly appointed CPs must ensure that the recognized departments are allowed to function smoothly, without interference from tactical units.
The officers approved for the new appointments include:
Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba from Kano State, appointed CP for Zamfara State
Breret Emmanuel Simon from Plateau State, appointed CP for Taraba State
Christopher Ado Emmanuel from Niger State, appointed CP for Yobe State
Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin from Ondo State, appointed CP for Cross Rivers State
Adamu Abdullahi Elleman from Jigawa State, former Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, appointed CP for Niger State
Sani Omolori Aliyu from Kogi State, appointed CP for Bauchi State
Bello Shehu from Gombe State, appointed CP for Katsina State
Saka Adewale Ajao from Ogun State, appointed CP for FCT Command
Ojo Adekimi from Ekiti State, appointed CP for Kwara State
The appointments followed an interactive oral interview session led by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Honourable Commissioner in the Police Service Commission.
During his address, PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) urged the new CPs to prevent the misuse of tactical units and to collaborate effectively with Deputy Commissioners who head established departments. He expressed concerns about the abuse of power by tactical units and emphasized the need for the CPs to respect departmental boundaries.
DIG Lakanu also encouraged the new officers to prioritize building strong relationships with their communities, urging them to engage with local leaders, youth organizations, and professional groups such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He also advised against the unnecessary formation of new squads, stressing the importance of working closely with subordinates to ensure a more efficient and effective police service.
The PSC’s statements reflect its ongoing commitment to ensuring that police operations remain functional and transparent, while preventing the misuse of power and resources within the police force.