The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and ordered the immediate launch of coordinated inter-state patrols in a major operational overhaul aimed at strengthening national security.
The directive, which takes effect from Monday, 15 June 2026, was announced during the monthly strategic conference of senior police officers held at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the police leadership, the redeployment of DIGs is intended to bring command structure closer to operational theatres, improve supervision, enhance accountability, and ensure faster response to emerging security threats across the country.
The DIGs are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police within their respective zones to strengthen operational oversight and improve the implementation of policing directives.
In a further move to curb cross-border criminal activity, the IGP also directed all Commissioners of Police to establish what he described as “Handshake Patrols” with neighbouring state commands.
The initiative is designed to enhance intelligence sharing, improve coordination, and enable joint security operations along shared boundaries where criminals often exploit jurisdictional gaps.
The police chief noted that many criminal elements evade arrest by moving across state lines after committing offences, stressing the need for a unified and regionally coordinated response.
“Criminals often take advantage of jurisdictional boundaries. We must respond with stronger collaboration, coordinated patrols, and seamless intelligence sharing across state commands,” the IGP was quoted as saying.
He directed Commissioners of Police to maintain constant engagement with neighbouring formations and conduct joint patrols along major entry and exit routes as part of the new security strategy.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led policing, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and proactive crime prevention aimed at safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
