IGP Deploys DIGs to Geopolitical Zones, Launches ‘Handshake Patrols’ to Tackle Cross-Border Crime
By Pan Afric Reporters
In a major move aimed at strengthening security architecture across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to the nation’s six geopolitical zones and ordered the immediate commencement of coordinated inter-state security operations to combat criminal activities across state boundaries.
The directive, which takes effect from June 15, 2026, is part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, improve supervision, and ensure faster responses to emerging security threats nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the decision was announced during the monthly conference of strategic senior officers held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The deployment is expected to bring senior police leadership closer to operational theatres, strengthen accountability, and improve coordination among commands across the country.
Speaking at the conference, IGP Disu said the initiative was designed to ensure that strategic leadership and operational oversight are effectively extended to all geopolitical zones.
“The deployment is aimed at bringing strategic leadership closer to the field, strengthening accountability, and ensuring prompt response to emerging security threats,” the IGP stated.
Under the new arrangement, the DIGs will work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) within their respective zones to improve operational supervision and ensure the effective implementation of policing directives.
As part of broader measures to curb crime, the police chief also directed all Commissioners of Police nationwide to immediately establish coordinated inter-state security operations codenamed “Handshake Patrols.”
The initiative is expected to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve communication among neighbouring police commands, and facilitate joint operations against criminals who exploit state boundaries to evade arrest.
According to the IGP, many criminal elements take advantage of jurisdictional gaps by committing crimes in one state and fleeing to another, making coordinated security responses essential.
“Commissioners of Police must maintain regular engagement with neighbouring Commands, conduct coordinated patrols along major entry and exit routes, and adopt a regional approach to addressing security challenges,” Disu said.
He emphasized that enhanced collaboration among state commands would significantly improve intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and other forms of trans-border criminality.
The police leadership expressed confidence that the new measures would deepen intelligence-led policing and strengthen public safety across the country.
The statement reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strategic coordination, inter-agency collaboration, and proactive policing aimed at protecting lives and property while enhancing national security.
The deployment of DIGs and the introduction of “Handshake Patrols” are widely seen as part of ongoing reforms by the IGP to decentralize operational command structures and improve the Force’s capacity to respond swiftly to evolving security threats nationwide.
