By our correspondent
As the nation grapples with evolving threats associated with kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, terrorism, banditry and other emerging criminal activities, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu has ordered the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to their respective geopolitical zones effective from Monday, 15th June, 2026.
IGP gave the order in a strategic meeting with Senior Officers and Police Managers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
IGP also urged the DIGs to provide leadership in consonance with AIGs and CPs to stem the wave of insecurity in the country.
“It is in furtherance of our operational objectives that I have approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to their respective geopolitical zones with effect from Monday, 15th June, 2026. This initiative is designed to strengthen supervision, improve operational coordination, enhance accountability, and provide closer strategic oversight of policing activities within the zones. The Deputy Inspectors-General are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police in ensuring that operational directives are effectively implemented and measurable results achieved, he said.
He continued, “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 emerging security threats receive prompt and coordinated attention.
“In addition, I hereby direct all Commissioners of Police to immediately establish what I have termed “Handshake Patrols” with Commissioners of Police in contiguous states. Criminals do not respect state boundaries. Too often, offenders exploit jurisdictional gaps by committing crimes in one state and escaping into another. This practice must be disrupted through deliberate collaboration and joint operational planning.”
Accordingly, Commissioners of Police are to establish coordinated patrols along all major entry and exit routes linking neighbouring states. Intelligence sharing mechanisms should be strengthened, operational communication channels kept open at all times, and joint responses initiated whenever circumstances require.
“I expect Commissioners of Police to maintain direct communication with their counterparts in neighbouring states and to jointly review security developments on a regular basis. Security must be approached from a regional rather than a purely territorial perspective.17. Distinguished officers, I also wish to address our relationship with the media.
Speaking on the recent abduction of Oyo school children, IGP assured members of the public of the victims rescue and safe return to their family members.
“The abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State remains an active operation. I wish to assure their families and all Nigerians that the full operational capacity of the Force, in coordination with sister security agencies, has been committed to securing their safe return. We are making progress, and we will not rest until all the hostages are brought home safely”.
“In the same Oyo State axis, I wish to commend the gallant officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted by criminal elements. Through sustained intelligence gathering, tactical operations, and the courage of our operatives, the victims were rescued unhurt and safely reunited with their family. This achievement once again demonstrates the critical importance of intelligence-led policing and community partnership in combating crime.”
TheNationalGlimpse gathered that Since last conference on 5th May, 2026, the Force has recorded the following operational achievements:
The arrest of eight (8) suspected terrorists, twenty-nine (29) murder and culpable homicide suspects, sixty-five (65) armed robbery suspects, fifty-five (55) suspected kidnapping suspects, while forty-two (42) suspected cultists were also arrested. Activities of the Police led to the rescue of eighty-eight (88) victims of kidnapping.
“In the same vein, a total of one hundred and fourteen (114) assorted firearms were recovered in different operations, while eight hundred and forty-three (843) various calibres of ammunition were also recovered. Twenty-eight (28) stolen vehicles were equally recovered.
Police boss also narrated how police were able to proactively foiled recent kidnapping incident that would have set FCT on fire but for quick intervention of Police, it was nipped before it happened.
“A recent example occurred here within the Federal Capital Territory, where actionable intelligence revealed that a group of five suspected kidnappers was making its way towards Abuja with the intention of carrying out criminal activities. Through coordinated intelligence and operational deployment, the suspects were successfully intercepted and arrested before they could execute their plans.
“This operation demonstrates the importance of proactive policing and the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in preventing crime before it occurs, he said.
IGP also expressed worry over inordinate use of number plate by some vehicle users.
He said covering of number plate for whatever reason would no longer be tolerated by police.
“Let me now address a growing and disturbing trend that has serious implications for public safety and national security. Across several parts of the country, we have observed an increasing number of vehicles being driven without registration number plates, as well as vehicles whose number plates are deliberately concealed, defaced, covered, or altered in an attempt to evade identification. This practice is unlawful, irresponsible, and unacceptable. I wish to state unequivocally that from today, the Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate such acts of impunity. Every vehicle operating on our roads must be properly registered and must display its approved registration number plates in accordance with the law. Any vehicle found without number plates or with deliberately obscured, concealed, or tampered registration numbers will be stopped, impounded, and subjected to the appropriate legal processes.
“Vehicle registration is not merely an administrative requirement. It is a critical component of crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and national security. Criminals, kidnappers, terrorists, and other offenders often exploit anonymous vehicles to perpetrate crimes and evade detection. I therefore call on all law-abiding citizens to ensure that their vehicles are duly registered and compliant with existing regulations.”
“All Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Formations are directed to immediately intensify enforcement operations against unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed registration numbers. There shall be no preferential treatment or selective enforcement. The law must apply equally to all, and anyone who chooses to disregard this directive will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.