ABUJA: The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun Disu, has approved a sweeping redeployment of senior officers across various commands, formations, and departments of the Nigeria Police Force in what security analysts describe as one of the most comprehensive leadership reshuffles in recent months.
The redeployment, which affects several Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs), is aimed at strengthening the operational structure of the Force, improving intelligence coordination, and boosting the effectiveness of policing across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, the police high command explained that the postings were part of deliberate efforts to reposition the Force for greater efficiency in tackling emerging security threats.
According to the statement, the postings are also designed to reinforce leadership capacity across the various operational units of the Nigeria Police Force while ensuring strategic deployment of experienced officers to critical areas where their expertise will be most impactful.
The police spokesperson stated that the redeployments reflect the Force’s commitment to strengthening its command structure and ensuring that capable officers are placed in positions where they can contribute meaningfully to national security and public safety.
A significant number of the newly redeployed officers have been assigned to key departments at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Among them is AIG Ado Emmanuel, who has been posted to the Department of Research and Planning, a critical unit responsible for policy development, strategy formulation, and long-term planning for the Force.
Similarly, AIG Joseph Eribo has been deployed to the Department of Armament, where he will oversee issues relating to weapons management, logistics, and operational equipment.
AIG Miller Dantawaye will now head the Department of Operations, widely regarded as the nerve centre of the Force’s tactical and operational coordination nationwide.
Also posted to the Force Headquarters is AIG Henry Ifeanyi Uche, who will take charge of the Department of Training and Development, where he will oversee the professional training and capacity-building programmes for officers and personnel.
The reshuffle also affected several zonal commands, which play a crucial role in coordinating policing activities across multiple states.
Among the postings, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh has been assigned to head Zone 2 Command in Lagos, a strategic command covering Lagos and Ogun States.
Likewise, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom has been posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos, where he will oversee complex criminal investigations including financial crimes, fraud, and cyber-related offences.
In another key deployment, AIG Dahiru Mohammed has been assigned to Zone 15 Command in Maiduguri, a region considered critical due to ongoing security challenges in the North-East.
Similarly, AIG Dankombo Morris has been deployed to Zone 4 Command in Makurdi, while AIG Bello Shehu will now head Zone 14 Command in Katsina.
The Inspector-General also redeployed AIG Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba to the Department of Legal Services at the Force Headquarters, where he will oversee legal advisory functions for the police.
Meanwhile, AIG Ahmed Musa has been posted to the Community Policing Department, an increasingly important unit responsible for strengthening police-community relations and grassroots intelligence gathering.
The reshuffle also brought changes in several state commands across the federation.
Among the notable postings is CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, who has been deployed as the new Commissioner of Police for Delta State, replacing the previous command leadership.
Security observers say the appointment comes at a time when Delta State continues to grapple with security challenges including cult-related violence, kidnapping, and oil theft activities in parts of the Niger Delta.
Similarly, CP Olatunji Olaiwola Fatai has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital and the country’s most densely populated state.
Lagos remains one of the most complex policing environments in the country due to its massive population, economic significance, and rising concerns over urban crime.
Other state command postings include:
- CP Haruna Alaba Yahaya – Jigawa State Command
- CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola – Oyo State Command
- CP Olubode Ojajuni – Ogun State Command
- CP Michael Adegoroye Falade – Ekiti State Command
- CP Yakubu Useni Dankaro – Adamawa State Command
- CP Morkwap S. Dongshal – Taraba State Command
- CP Ahmed Mohammed Bello – Zamfara State Command
- CP Umar Ali Fagge – Katsina State Command
- CP Hayatu Shaffa Hassan – Sokoto State Command
Meanwhile, CP Muhammed Sanusi Ahmed has been deployed to head the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, a highly sensitive posting responsible for policing Nigeria’s seat of government.
Beyond state commands, several officers were also deployed to specialized units of the Force.
For instance, CP Akan Ezima has been posted as Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja, a unit tasked with tackling cybercrime and digital fraud.
Similarly, CP Abbas Sule has been assigned to the Special Protection Unit, which provides security to high-profile individuals and critical national assets.
Other key appointments include:
- CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue – INTERPOL Abuja
- CP Mnwadiogbu Cletus – Deputy Commandant, Police Academy
- CP Moses Ashu Otta – SWAT Unit, Abuja
- CP Eloho E. Okpoziakpo – Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi
- CP Kayode Uthman Magaji – K9 Unit, Abuja
Additional redeployments were made to units such as Safer Highway, Community Safety and Crime Prevention, General Investigation, and Police Colleges across the country.
While announcing the postings, the Inspector-General of Police urged the officers to bring their wealth of professional experience to bear in their new roles.
He emphasized that the success of the Nigeria Police Force in addressing the nation’s growing security concerns depends largely on the dedication, discipline, and professionalism of its leadership cadre.
The police chief therefore charged the officers to demonstrate integrity, commitment, and service excellence in the discharge of their duties.
He also reiterated the Force’s commitment to ongoing institutional reforms aimed at modernizing policing methods, strengthening intelligence gathering, and improving public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
Security experts believe the latest reshuffle forms part of the broader reform efforts currently being implemented within the Nigeria Police Force.
In recent months, the police leadership has intensified efforts to strengthen operational capacity, modernize investigative processes, and enhance collaboration with other security agencies.
Analysts say the strategic redeployment of experienced officers could play a critical role in addressing emerging security threats such as kidnapping, banditry, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks.
With the new postings now taking effect, attention will be focused on how the newly deployed officers perform in their respective commands and whether the reshuffle will translate into improved security outcomes across the country.
