April 19, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly disbanded the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Nigeria Police Force and ordered the redeployment of officers previously attached to the unit, in a major internal restructuring exercise.
According to police sources, the directive affects about 88 officers who served under the now-defunct unit, some of whom were previously linked to the former head of the Police Monitoring Team, Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede.
The SIU structure is expected to be replaced by a reconstituted monitoring framework, which will now operate under a new leadership arrangement within the Force Headquarters.
A senior police source disclosed that the affected officers have been transferred to different formations across the country as part of efforts to “reset” operational control and improve accountability within sensitive investigative units.
The new arrangement is expected to be overseen by Aliyu Abubakar, who has been assigned to lead the restructured monitoring unit and coordinate special assignments directed by the IGP.
Fakorede, a former head of the Police Monitoring Team—also known as the IGP Monitoring Unit—was appointed in December 2024 but has since been moved through a series of administrative changes, including periods of suspension, reassignment, and mandatory leave.
His tenure had attracted significant controversy, with human rights groups raising concerns over alleged brutality, election-related misconduct, and other disciplinary issues linked to his previous role in the .
He was also previously accused in reports of involvement in controversial enforcement operations, including alleged human rights violations and disputes tied to investigations under his leadership.
The restructuring comes amid ongoing efforts within the Nigeria Police Force to reform investigative and monitoring structures, improve professionalism, and address long-standing public concerns about abuse of power and accountability.
Police authorities have not yet issued an official public statement detailing the full scope of the restructuring, but insiders say further changes may follow as the new leadership settles into its role.
The development marks one of the most significant internal shake-ups in recent months within the Force, particularly in units responsible for intelligence-led investigations and high-profile assignments.
