Police Boss Moves DIGs to Their Zones for Better Security

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their designated zones starting from 15 June.

Mr Disu announced this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Strategic Police Managers. This group includes officers who are Commissioners of Police (CPs).

The I-G explained that this order is meant to boost supervision, improve how operations are coordinated, enhance accountability, and give better oversight of police activities in their zones.

He noted that the DIGs should work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and CPs in their areas to ensure that operational orders are properly followed and that they achieve clear results.

"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.

Mr Disu also instructed CPs to set up what he called a "handshake" patrol. This is to stop criminals from committing crimes in one state and escaping to another.

He stressed that the trend of committing crimes in one state and fleeing to another needs to be disrupted through teamwork and careful 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 a regular basis," he added.

The I-G pointed out that security should be viewed from the original perspective, not just a territorial one.

He urged senior officers to engage professionally and constructively with the media. He said the police's relationship with the media should not only be about announcing arrests or personal 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.

Mr Disu added that the police would not allow criminals or those trying to weaken public trust in the Nigerian Police Force to take control of the information space.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen community policing, which is vital for security.

"The police cannot effectively secure Nigeria without the active support and partnership of the communities."

He made it clear that community policing is not just a slogan or a programme on paper, but a real approach to policing.

"The philosophy recognises that security is best achieved when enforcement agencies go into genuine partnership with citizens."