In a significant move to fortify the nation's security architecture, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a major redeployment of top-ranking officers. This strategic shake-up involves the posting of a newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and seventeen Commissioners of Police to various critical commands and formations across the country.
Strategic Postings Aimed at Enhanced Security
The Force Headquarters, in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and conveyed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified the rationale behind the massive deployment. According to the statement, the postings are a direct consequence of recent promotions within the force and form a crucial part of the ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for better efficiency.
The primary objectives are to strengthen operational capacity, enhance leadership at strategic points, and ultimately improve public safety and service delivery nationwide. This move signals the IGP's commitment to a robust and responsive policing system.
Key Appointments and New Assignments
The most prominent posting is that of the newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who has been tasked with heading the vital Force Intelligence Department. This unit is central to crime detection and prevention strategies.
Among the seventeen Commissioners of Police reassigned, several have been posted to lead state commands. These include:
- CP Aina Adesola to the Delta State Police Command.
- CP Umar Mohammed Hajedia to the Kebbi State Command.
- CP Iyamah Daniel Edobor to the Bayelsa State Police Command.
Other senior officers have been deployed to head specialized units and training institutions, underscoring the breadth of the reorganization:
- CP Osagie John Agans-Irabor takes over as Commissioner of Police, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, FCID Annexe, Lagos.
- CP Johnson Ayoteji Babalola is now the CP for the Special Enquiries Bureau, FCID, Abuja.
- CP Adepegba K. Adetoye moves to the Marine Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
- CP Tabitha Bako becomes Deputy Commandant of the Police College in Kaduna.
- CP Umar Ali Fagge assumes the role of Deputy Commandant at the Police College in Ikeja.
- CP Audu Garba Bosso is posted as Commissioner of Police, General Investigation, FCID Annexe, Kaduna.
Implications for National Security and Service Delivery
This widespread redeployment of high-level police officers is expected to inject fresh perspectives and reinvigorated leadership into key security formations. By placing seasoned officers in strategic departments and volatile state commands, the police hierarchy aims to address specific security challenges more effectively.
The posting to units like Anti-Human Trafficking and Force Intelligence indicates a focused approach towards specialized crimes. Similarly, assigning officers to training colleges highlights the importance of building a capable force for the future. This restructuring is a clear step by IGP Egbetokun to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is better equipped to fulfill its mandate of protecting lives and property across the federation.
