IGP Disu Scraps SWAT, Deploys New Crime Units Nationwide, Orders Arms Audit After Delta Killing

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has scrapped the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit and replaced it with a new Violent Crime Response Unit, deployed across all 36 states and the FCT. On the same day, he ordered a nationwide arms audit — directly triggered by a viral video of police officers shooting a handcuffed man in Delta State.

SWAT is gone — VCRU takes over

The Violent Crime Response Unit is an intelligence-led strike force targeting armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, and cultism. Commanders have been selected in each state and called to Force Headquarters in Abuja for operational briefings. In Bayelsa, CSP Chris Nwaogbo has already been named VCRU commander.

Disu also ordered non-specialised tactical units at the state level dismantled. The Police Mobile Force is being pulled back to its original mandate — riot control — and PMF officers will no longer do VIP escort duties. The IGP was clear that the VCRU must work within human rights standards. “I hereby direct all Commissioners of Police to immediately undertake a comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition within their respective Commands,” he said at a meeting with senior officers in Abuja.

The Delta killing that forced the audit

A video showing officers — led by ASP Nuhu Usman — shooting a restrained and handcuffed man at close range went viral after a suspicious package was found on him. The footage drew swift, widespread condemnation. Disu did not hold back: “That act was wrong. It was unlawful. It violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standards of this Force.”

ASP Usman and the officers involved were dismissed. Their files have been forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation for criminal prosecution. “This matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion,” the IGP said.

What else is changing

The Force Criminal Investigation Department is updating the national criminal database, and police forensic labs are getting digital upgrades. This is the biggest structural overhaul the NPF has seen since SARS was disbanded and SWAT was created back in 2020 — and given how that one played out, a lot of Nigerians will be watching closely to see if this time actually sticks.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post Nigeria, The Sun Nigeria, Naija News