IGP Olatunji Disu Orders DIG Deployment, Border Patrols

By Babatunji Wusu| The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to relocate to their respective zones from June 15 as part of efforts to strengthen policing, improve supervision and enhance security coordination across the country.

Olatunji Disu issued the directive on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with senior police officers, including Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other strategic police managers.

According to the IGP, the deployment is designed to improve operational oversight, boost accountability and ensure faster implementation of policing directives at the zonal level.

He said the DIGs would work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to achieve measurable security outcomes.

“Let me make it clear that this deployment is not ceremonial; it is intended to bring leadership closer to the field, improve response mechanism and ensure that emergency reports receive prompt attention,” Disu said.

The police chief also ordered Commissioners of Police to establish coordinated inter-state patrols, described as “handshake patrols,” to prevent criminals from committing offences in one state and fleeing to neighbouring states.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among state commands through intelligence sharing, regular communication and joint security operations.

According to him, CPs must maintain direct contact with their counterparts in neighbouring states and frequently review security deployments along major entry and exit routes.

On public communication, the IGP urged senior officers to maintain professional engagement with the media, noting that police communication should go beyond announcing arrests and operational successes.

He said timely clarification of facts is essential to strengthening public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and preventing misinformation.

Disu also reaffirmed the importance of community policing, describing it as a practical security strategy rather than a mere slogan.

“The police cannot effectively secure Nigeria without the active support and partnership of the communities,” he said.

The IGP added that sustainable security can only be achieved through stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.