In a move aimed at tightening security coordination across the country, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered a major restructuring of operational oversight and directed police commands to begin joint inter-state patrols to combat cross-border crimes.

Olatunji Rilwan Disu approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones and instructed Commissioners of Police nationwide to commence coordinated security operations with neighbouring states.

The new directives, which take effect from June 15, 2026, were announced during the monthly conference of senior strategic officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid, the deployment is designed to bring senior police leadership closer to operational commands, improve supervision and ensure faster responses to emerging security threats.

“The DIGs are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to enhance operational oversight and ensure the effective implementation of policing directives,” the statement said.

As part of the security initiative, the IGP also directed all state police commissioners to establish coordinated inter-state security operations, code-named “Handshake Patrols,” with adjoining commands.

The police said the programme is intended to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve communication among commands and facilitate joint responses to criminal activities that cut across state boundaries.

“The initiative is designed to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve operational communication, and facilitate joint responses to crimes that cut across state boundaries,” the statement added.

Disu noted that many criminal groups exploit jurisdictional boundaries by committing offences in one state and fleeing to another, making collaboration between neighbouring commands essential.

He therefore directed Commissioners of Police to maintain constant engagement with adjacent commands, conduct joint patrols along major highways and border routes, and adopt a regional approach to tackling security challenges.

The police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led policing, strategic coordination and collaboration with other security agencies as part of efforts to improve public safety and protect lives and property nationwide.