The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the revival of its Police Mobile Force (PMF), popularly known as MOPOL, to strengthen operations against kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other criminal activities.
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu disclosed this while speaking after a tour of police barracks in Lagos, declaring that “the fighting arm of the police is back.”
Disu said mobile policemen, particularly those deployed in the North-East, had returned to training after years of neglect that left the unit poorly equipped and exposed to inadequate counter-insurgency tactics.
He described MOPOL as the specialised fighting arm of the police, trained to handle high-risk assignments, including insurgency and other serious security threats. He said the unit’s morale had improved under his leadership, while experienced retired MOPOL personnel had voluntarily returned to training camps to share their knowledge with younger officers.
“It shows that even in retirement, they still love the job and love Nigeria,” the IGP said.
Disu said banditry and insurgency were regional challenges, noting that armed groups were exploiting porous borders to operate across West Africa. He added that Nigeria’s relative wealth had made it an attractive target for criminal groups, while sustained military and police operations had helped prevent the country from suffering the fate of some cities in the region.
The IGP also disclosed that the long-awaited review of the police salary structure had been completed and was awaiting presidential approval. He said plans were also underway to build barracks, provide affordable housing for officers and engage the government on pension and salary reviews.
On police welfare, Disu said efforts were ongoing to provide officers with uniforms and other essential equipment, while his administration had also intensified disciplinary measures against erring personnel.
He warned against jungle justice and mob violence, describing such acts as murder because victims were denied the right to trial. He said anyone arrested in connection with killings, including those who incite or record such incidents without intervening, would face murder charges.
The IGP urged Nigerians to report crimes to the police and other security agencies, assuring citizens of his commitment to rebuilding public confidence in the force.
Disu said his ultimate goal was to make Nigerians see the police as truly their own, as part of the broader reforms being implemented since he assumed office.