The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Olatunji Disu, has directed the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective zones, effective from 15 June. The order was issued on Tuesday in Abuja during a conference with Strategic Police Managers, which included officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPs).
Objectives of the Deployment
The I-G stated that the deployment aims to strengthen supervision, improve operational coordination, enhance accountability, and provide strategic oversight of policing activities within the zones. The DIGs are expected to collaborate closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and CPs in their zones to ensure effective implementation of operational directives and achievement of measurable results.
Leadership Closer to the Field
“Let me make it clear that this deployment is not ceremonial; it is intended to bring leadership closer to the field, improve response mechanisms, and ensure that emergency reports receive prompt attention,” Disu said. He emphasized the need for proactive leadership to address security challenges.
Handshake Patrols to Curb Cross-Border Crime
Mr Disu also directed CPs to immediately establish what he termed a “handshake” patrol to prevent criminals from committing offenses in one state and escaping to another. He stressed that the practice of committing crimes across state borders must be disrupted through deliberate collaboration and joint operational planning.
Coordinated Patrols and Intelligence Sharing
“Accordingly, CPs are to establish coordinated patrols along major entry 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 neighboring states and to jointly review security deployments on a regular basis,” he said.
Community Policing and Media Engagement
The I-G emphasized that security must be approached from an original rather than purely territorial perspective. He urged senior officers to maintain professional and constructive engagement with the media, noting that the force’s relationship with the media should not be limited to announcing arrests or personal successes.
Public Perception and Communication
“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 intervention and reinforcement, we must recognize 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 force would not surrender information space to criminals or individuals seeking to undermine public confidence in the Nigerian Police Force. He also stressed the need to deepen commitment to community policing, reiterating that the police cannot effectively secure Nigeria without the active support and partnership of communities. “Community policing is not a slogan or a programme that exists only on paper, but a practical policing philosophy that recognizes that security is best achieved when enforcement agencies enter into genuine partnership with citizens,” he concluded.
