IG Given Power to Reorganise DCI and Police Commands

The Inspector-General (IG) of the National Police Service has been granted expanded powers to reorganise police formations, units and investigative commands under newly gazetted amendments to the National Police Service Standing Orders.

According to a Special Gazette Notice dated July 30, the amendments repeal Chapter 7 of the existing Standing Orders and replace it with new provisions governing the organisation, integration and management of formations, units and components within the National Police Service.

The changes are contained in the National Police Service Standing (Amendment) Orders, 2026, issued under Legal Notice No. 138 pursuant to the National Police Service Act.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 10(1)(r) of the National Police Service Act, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service makes the following Service Standing Orders,” read part of the gazette notice.

New Police Standing Orders Give IG Authority to Restructure DCI and Police Units

Under the new Standing Orders, the Inspector-General will be responsible for organising the National Police Service at the national level into formations, units and components.

“The Inspector General may issue orders, directives or instructions to the Deputy Inspector General or Director of Criminal Investigations to integrate, merge or reorganise Formations, Units, Bureau, Investigative Commands, and Components.”

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The amendments further provide that no formation, unit or component may be established, altered or abolished without the approval of the Inspector-General.

Additionally, all functions and directions assigned to police formations, units, bureaus, investigative commands and other components must comply with the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and other applicable laws.

“All directions and functions assigned to a Formation, Unit, Bureau, Investigative Command, or Component shall comply with the Constitution, the Act, and any other relevant written law,” read the gazette notice.

New Rules Require Written Directives for Police Reorganisation

The new regulations also empower the Inspector-General to issue written orders, directives or instructions to the Deputy Inspectors-General or the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to integrate, merge or reorganise police formations, bureaus, investigative commands and other components.

According to the notice, every directive issued under these provisions must be made in writing.

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They further give the IG the authority to resolve conflicts arising over the mandates or functions of different police formations, units, bureaus, investigative commands or components.

Therefore, where such disputes arise, the Inspector-General will issue written directions to determine how responsibilities should be assigned or coordinated.

“ A direction issued under this section shall be in writing. Conflict between the mandates of different Formations,”

” Where a conflict arises concerning the mandates or functions of different Formations, Units, Bureau, Investigative Commands or Components, the Inspector-General shall issue such directions as may be necessary to resolve the conflict.  A direction issued under this section shall be in writing.”

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