Omeyi Oko Ibrahim. Makurdi
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has approved a major redeployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. The changes take effect from Monday, 15th June 2026.
According to the Force, the move is part of ongoing reforms to boost operational effectiveness, tighten supervision, and improve security coordination nationwide. The announcement was made during the monthly conference with senior strategic officers at Force Headquarters in Abuja. 
The IGP said the deployment is meant to bring strategic leadership closer to the field. By positioning DIGs directly within the zones, the Force hopes to strengthen accountability and ensure faster response to emerging threats.
Under the new structure, the DIGs will work hand-in-hand with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in their zones. Their mandate includes closer operational oversight and ensuring policing directives are implemented effectively at state level.
In a related directive, the IGP ordered all Commissioners of Police to set up coordinated inter-state security operations immediately. The initiative, tagged “Handshake Patrols”, will see neighbouring state commands work as one unit.
The goal of “Handshake Patrols” is clear: strengthen intelligence sharing, improve communication between commands, and enable joint action against crimes that cross state lines. It shifts policing from isolated state efforts to a regional approach.
The IGP explained the reason behind the move. Criminals often exploit gaps between jurisdictions by committing crimes in one state and fleeing to another. To close that loophole, CPs must maintain regular contact with neighbouring commands and run joint patrols along major entry and exit routes.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, strategic coordination, and inter-agency collaboration. The Force says these steps are aimed at protecting lives and property while enhancing public safety across the country.
