IGP Disu Redeploys DIGs, Orders New Interstate Security Strategy Against Criminals

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective operational zones as part of a broader strategy to strengthen security coordination, improve field supervision and enhance accountability across the country.

The deployment, which takes effect from June 15, was announced during a conference with Strategic Police Managers comprising Commissioners of Police and other senior officers.

Addressing the gathering in Abuja, the IGP said the move was designed to bring leadership closer to operational areas while improving response capabilities and ensuring that policing directives are effectively implemented.

According to him, the deployment is intended to provide stronger oversight of policing activities, improve supervision and accelerate decision-making at the zonal level. Disu stressed that the assignment should not be viewed as ceremonial but as a critical component of the force’s efforts to address evolving security threats nationwide.

“Leadership must be closer to the field. Emergency reports must receive prompt attention and operational effectiveness must improve,” he told the officers.

The IGP directed the newly deployed DIGs to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in their zones to ensure that operational targets are achieved and measurable outcomes delivered. A major highlight of the directive was the introduction of what Disu described as “handshake patrols” between neighbouring states.

The initiative is aimed at preventing criminals from exploiting state boundaries after committing offences. According to the IGP, it has become common for criminal elements to carry out attacks in one state and immediately flee into another jurisdiction to evade arrest.

He said such gaps must be eliminated through stronger cooperation among state commands.

“Criminals must not be allowed to commit offences in one state and find refuge in another,” he stated.

Under the new arrangement, Commissioners of Police have been directed to establish coordinated patrol operations along major entry and exit routes connecting neighbouring states.

The police leadership also ordered improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regular joint operational planning and open communication channels between commands.

Disu emphasized that security challenges should no longer be approached strictly from territorial boundaries but through coordinated regional responses.

Beyond operational matters, the IGP also addressed the force’s relationship with the media.

He urged senior officers to engage more proactively with journalists and the public, noting that effective communication remains essential to maintaining public confidence in policing efforts. According to him, police engagement with the media should go beyond announcing arrests and operational successes.

Instead, officers should also focus on clarifying misinformation, providing accurate updates and strengthening public understanding of security operations.

The IGP warned against allowing criminal groups or individuals with malicious intentions to dominate public discourse through misinformation and propaganda.

He further reiterated the importance of community policing, describing it as one of the most effective approaches to crime prevention.

“The police cannot secure Nigeria alone. Security is best achieved through genuine partnerships with communities,” he said.

Disu called on officers to deepen collaboration with community leaders, local organisations and residents as part of efforts to build trust and improve intelligence gathering.

The latest reforms come amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country and increasing calls for more coordinated policing strategies.

Police authorities believe the combination of stronger zonal leadership, interstate collaboration and community engagement will significantly improve security outcomes nationwide.