In a major shake-up aimed at strengthening security operations across the country, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olutunji Disu, has approved the immediate deployment of Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) to Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The move, announced on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with senior police officers, is expected to bring top-level police leadership closer to security flashpoints and improve operational effectiveness nationwide.
“I have approved the deployment of Deputy Inspector General of Police with our respective geopolitical zone, with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026,” Disu declared.
According to the police boss, the restructuring is designed to enhance supervision, improve operational coordination, strengthen accountability and provide closer strategic oversight of policing activities across the country.
“This initiative is designed to strengthen supervision, improve operational coordination, enhance accountability, and provide closer strategic oversight of policing activities within their zones,” he said.
Disu explained that the deployment was part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cybercrime and communal clashes.
The IGP also disclosed that security agencies were making steady progress in efforts to rescue schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo State.
“We are making progress and will not rest until all the hostages are brought home safely,” he assured.
Highlighting recent operational successes, Disu revealed that police commands nationwide had recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against crime.
“Since our last conference, the Force has recorded the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, 55 suspected kidnapping suspects and 29 murder suspects,” he stated.
He added that police operatives recovered 114 firearms, seized 843 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and recovered 28 stolen vehicles during intelligence-led operations across the country.
The police chief also disclosed that operatives in the Federal Capital Territory successfully foiled a planned kidnapping operation.
“A group of five suspected kidnappers were intercepted and arrested before they executed their plans,” he said.
As part of efforts to block escape routes often exploited by criminals, Disu unveiled a new inter-state security strategy known as “Handshake Patrol.”
Under the arrangement, Commissioners of Police in neighbouring states are expected to work closely together through coordinated patrols and intelligence sharing along major highways and border communities.
“Commissioners of Police in contiguous states must establish coordinated patrols along all major entry and exit routes linking neighbouring states,” the directive stated.
In another decisive move, the police announced a nationwide crackdown on vehicles operating without number plates or using concealed, altered or fake registration details.
“From today, the Nigerian Police Force will no longer tolerate such acts of impunity,” the IGP warned.
He stressed that any vehicle found violating the directive would be stopped, impounded and subjected to the full weight of the law.
“Any vehicle found without number plates will be stopped, impounded and subjected to the appropriate legal process,” he added.
Disu further urged police commanders across the country to deepen community policing efforts and build stronger relationships with citizens.
“Community policing is not a slogan; it is a practical policing philosophy that recognizes security is best achieved in partnership with citizens,” he said.
He directed commanders to institutionalise regular engagements with community leaders, stakeholders and residents to improve trust, intelligence gathering and public cooperation.
Reaffirming his commitment to ongoing police reforms, the IGP pledged to build a more professional, accountable and responsive force capable of effectively confronting the nation’s security challenges.
“Together, we shall continue to build a Nigerian Police Force that is professional, accountable, trusted by the people and capable of responding effectively to the security challenges of our time,” Disu stated.
