In a significant move to revitalise the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has authorised a major reshuffle of top-ranking officers. The redeployment, announced on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, affects a Deputy Inspector-General of Police and seventeen Commissioners of Police, who have been assigned to critical operational departments and state commands across the country.
Strategic Postings Aimed at Enhanced Security
The Force Headquarters stated that this sweeping redeployment is a strategic initiative designed to reinforce intelligence gathering, improve operational efficiency, and enhance public safety nationwide. The announcement was made by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, via the Nigeria Police Force's official X handle.
Hundeyin emphasised that the postings are intended to "strengthen operational capacity, effective leadership, enhance public safety, and improve service delivery." This move is seen as part of the ongoing efforts by the police high command to reposition the Force for more effective crime prevention and intelligence-led policing.
Key Appointments and New Assignments
At the apex of the reshuffle, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Usaini Gumel has been posted to head the Force Intelligence Department. This pivotal role places him at the heart of the police's intelligence coordination and analysis efforts.
Several Commissioners of Police have been deployed to take charge of strategic state commands. These include:
- CP Aina Adesola posted to Delta State Command.
- CP Umar Mohammed Hajedia assigned to Kebbi State Command.
- CP Iyamah Daniel Edobor moved to Bayelsa State Command.
The redeployment also extended to specialised units and formations within the Force. Notable assignments include:
- CP Osagie John Agans-Irabor to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit at the FCID Annex in Lagos.
- CP Johnson Ayodeji Babalola to head the Special Enquiries Bureau at the FCID in Abuja.
- CP Adepegba K. Adetoye to the Marine Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
- CP Tabitha Bako and CP Umar Ali Fagge appointed as deputy commandants at the Police Colleges in Kaduna and Ikeja, respectively.
Other postings see CP Audu Garba Bosso going to General Investigation at the FCID Annex in Kaduna, and CP Edwin Esiunnoh Ogbeghagha to Community Policing at Force Headquarters. CP Arikpo Ofem Ikpi was assigned to the Investment Office of the Department of Logistics and Supply, while CP Cyril Uchenna Obiozo takes over the Maritime Command in Lagos.
IGP's Charge to Redeployed Officers
Inspector-General Egbetokun has charged the newly redeployed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Force leadership. He urged them to leverage their vast experience to deliver tangible results in their new roles.
The IGP stressed the critical need for the officers to "uphold professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards" in all their activities. He further directed them to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law while discharging their duties, emphasising that public trust is paramount.
This reshuffle underscores the police administration's commitment to adapting its leadership structure to meet contemporary security challenges and improve engagement with the Nigerian public.
