The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Olatunji Disu, has directed the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their designated zones effective June 15.
Disu issued the directive on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with Strategic Police Managers, comprising officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPs).
According to the IGP, the deployment is designed to enhance supervision, strengthen operational coordination, improve accountability, and provide strategic oversight of policing activities across the various zones.
He stated that the DIGs would collaborate closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and CPs to ensure operational directives are properly executed and that tangible results are achieved.
“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,” he said.
Disu also instructed CPs to immediately introduce what he described as “handshake” patrols to prevent criminals from committing offences in one state and fleeing to another.
He noted that the trend of carrying out crimes in one state and escaping to neighbouring states must be eliminated through intentional collaboration and joint operational planning.
“Accordingly, CPs are to establish coordinated patrols along major entries and exit routes of their various states.
“Intelligence sharing mechanisms should be strengthened, operational communication channels kept open at all times and joint responses initiated whenever circumstances require.
“I expect CPs to maintain direct communications with their counterparts in their neighbouring states and to jointly review security deployments on regular basis,” he said.
The IGP stressed that security should be viewed from a broader, interconnected perspective rather than a strictly territorial one.
He further encouraged senior officers to maintain a professional and constructive relationship with the media, emphasizing that engagement should extend beyond publicising arrests or individual achievements.
“I also wish to address your relationship with the media because public perception can influence confidence in our institution as well as our operational outcome.
“While our primary responsibility remains for intervention and reinforcement, we must recognise the importance of effective communication in shaping public understanding of our efforts.
“I therefore encourage you to maintain a professional and constructive engagement with the media; our relationship should not be limited to announcing arrests or personal successes.
“Your relationship with the media must also involve timely clarification of facts and information,” he said.
Disu added that the police would not allow criminals or individuals seeking to weaken public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force to dominate the information space.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening community policing, describing it as a key principle of effective security management.
According to him, the police cannot successfully secure the country without the active cooperation and partnership of local communities.
He emphasized that community policing is more than a slogan or a paper-based initiative; it is a practical policing philosophy.
“The philosophy recognises that security is best achieved when enforcement agencies go into genuine partnership with citizens,” he said.