Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu has ordered the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones in a major operational shake-up aimed at strengthening the fight against insecurity across the country.
The move, announced during a meeting with police strategic managers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, forms part of efforts to boost intelligence-driven policing, tighten operational oversight and enhance coordination against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The police chief said the deployment, which takes effect from June 15, 2026, is intended to bring top-level leadership closer to the field and ensure more effective supervision of security operations nationwide.
“It is in furtherance of our operational objectives that I have approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to their respective geopolitical zones with effect from Monday, 15th June, 2026,” the IGP said.
“This initiative is designed to strengthen supervision, improve operational coordination, enhance accountability, and provide closer strategic oversight of policing activities within the zones.”
According to him, the DIGs will work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to ensure the effective implementation of operational directives and the achievement of measurable security outcomes.
“The Deputy Inspectors-General are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police in ensuring that operational directives are effectively implemented and measurable results achieved.
“Let me make it clear that this deployment is not ceremonial. It is intended to bring leadership closer to the field, improve response mechanisms, and ensure that emerging security threats receive prompt and coordinated attention,” he added.
In a related directive, the IGP ordered Commissioners of Police nationwide to establish coordinated cross-border patrol operations with their counterparts in neighbouring states to deny criminals safe havens across state boundaries.
The initiative, tagged “Handshake Patrols,” is expected to strengthen inter-state collaboration and improve rapid response to criminal activities.
“In addition, I hereby direct all Commissioners of Police to immediately establish what I have termed ‘Handshake Patrols’ with Commissioners of Police in contiguous states,” he said.
“Criminals do not respect state boundaries. Too often, offenders exploit jurisdictional gaps by committing crimes in one state and escaping into another. This practice must be disrupted through deliberate collaboration and joint operational planning.”
He directed police commands to mount coordinated patrols along major entry and exit routes linking neighbouring states, while strengthening intelligence-sharing networks and maintaining open communication channels for joint operations.
“Accordingly, Commissioners of Police are to establish coordinated patrols along all major entry and exit routes linking neighbouring states. Intelligence sharing mechanisms should be strengthened, operational communication channels kept open at all times, and joint responses initiated whenever circumstances require,” he stated.
The IGP also addressed the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.
“The abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State remains an active operation. I wish to assure their families and all Nigerians that the full operational capacity of the Force, in coordination with sister security agencies, has been committed to securing their safe return.
“We are making progress, and we will not rest until every child is brought home safely,” he said.
Egbetokun further commended police operatives for the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were recently kidnapped in Oyo State.
“In the same Oyo State axis, I wish to commend the gallant officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted by criminal elements,” he said.
“Through sustained intelligence gathering, tactical operations, and the courage of our operatives, the victims were rescued unhurt and safely reunited with their family. This achievement once again demonstrates the critical importance of intelligence-led policing and community partnership in combating crime.”
The latest directives come amid growing security concerns across several parts of the country, with the police leadership seeking to strengthen coordination, intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness in tackling emerging threats.
