BREAKING: IGP Disu Dissolves Special Unit, Transfers Officers Linked to Former IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has officially dissolved the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Nigeria Police Force.

This major shake-up includes the immediate redeployment of all personnel formerly assigned to the unit.

The directive specifically targets officers who served under the controversial former head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede.

This sweeping reform has resulted in the removal of 88 officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit. These personnel are being transferred to various departments across the country as part of a broader strategy to sanitize the Force’s investigative arms.

Under the new directive, the SIU structure will be completely overhauled and absorbed into a reconstituted IGP Monitoring Unit.

This newly formed entity is now under the leadership of Aliyu Abubakar, who has been tasked with overseeing its revamped operations.

The decision to dismantle the unit and scatter its personnel follows the controversial tenure of Fakorede. Sources within the force confirmed that the move is intended to break the influence of the previous administration.

“IGP Disu has dismantled the Special Investigation Unit of the NPF and has transferred all personnel who once worked with controversial police officer Fakorede,” a high-ranking police official stated. The source further confirmed that the exit of the 88 officers is a direct consequence of this restructuring.

Aliyu Abubakar, who recently took over from Fakorede, is expected to bring a higher level of accountability and professionalism to the unit. His mandate involves executing special assignments and ensuring that the monitoring team operates within the strict confines of the law.

This transition began in early March 2026, when Fakorede was removed from his post and subsequently placed on a 40-day mandatory leave before being reassigned to the Research department.

Fakorede’s time as the head of the Monitoring Unit was marked by heavy criticism from civil rights groups and high-ranking government officials. His background as a former commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) drew backlash due to allegations of extrajudicial activities and election interference.

Notably, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had publicly denounced Fakorede, labeling him a “killer” and citing his alleged misconduct during his service in Rivers State.

Beyond political friction, Fakorede was also linked to allegations of protecting high-profile suspects. Reports emerged claiming his unit shielded Jesam Michael, the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System, who was accused of defrauding over 50,000 investors in a $1.6 billion Ponzi scheme.

Internal police sources alleged that Fakorede had consistently dismissed evidence against Michael despite widespread claims of financial fraud.

With the total dissolution of the SIU and the redeployment of Fakorede’s former subordinates, IGP Disu appears determined to distance the current police leadership from these past controversies.