The Nigeria Police Force is set to intensify its fight against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes with the revival of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), popularly known as MOPOL.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, said the specialised unit was being repositioned to reclaim its traditional role as the force’s frontline fighting arm.
“The fighting arm of the police is back,” Disu said after touring police barracks in Lagos at the weekend.
The IGP said MOPOL personnel, particularly those serving in the North-East, had returned to intensive training after years of neglect left the unit without adequate equipment, training and exposure to modern counter-insurgency tactics.
According to him, MOPOL was originally established as a specially trained, mobile and well-equipped unit capable of handling high-risk security operations, including insurgency and other violent threats.
Disu expressed confidence that the renewed focus on training and equipping the unit would enable its personnel to play a more effective role in the fight against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
He also disclosed that some retired MOPOL officers had voluntarily returned to training camps to assist instructors and share their operational experience with younger personnel.
“It shows that even in retirement, they still love the job and love Nigeria,” he said.
The IGP noted that banditry and insurgency were not challenges peculiar to Nigeria, describing them as broader regional security threats.
He said Nigeria’s relative economic strength had also made the country attractive to armed groups exploiting porous borders to carry out criminal activities.
Disu said several West African cities had been affected by insurgency and banditry, while sustained military and police operations had helped Nigeria resist the spread of such threats, albeit at a significant human cost.
He lamented the number of police officers and other security personnel who had died this year while protecting the country, urging Nigerians to recognise the sacrifices made by security operatives.
The IGP also backed calls for stronger border security, including the fencing of vulnerable sections, aerial surveillance and technology-driven monitoring systems.
He said such measures would complement the work of security agencies and strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
With the military already heavily involved in internal security operations across more than 30 states, Disu said an effective MOPOL would provide additional support in tackling insurgency, banditry and other high-risk threats.
Central crime database, community policing
Disu also disclosed that the police were developing a centralised biometric and criminal database to improve crime prevention and intelligence gathering.
He said upgraded data-capturing devices had been deployed and directives issued to police divisions nationwide to populate the database.
The database is expected to be shared with other security agencies and could also assist employers in conducting background checks on prospective employees.
On the continued use of pre-registered SIM cards by criminals, Disu said the police were working with telecommunications companies to strengthen intelligence sharing and enforcement.
He urged Nigerians to regard the sharing of information on criminal activities as a civic responsibility.
“The life you save today may be your own. In modern policing, we say the community is the police, and the police are the community. We are all in the business of protecting lives and property,” he said.
Welfare remains priority
Disu, who has earned the nickname “Welfare IG” because of his focus on police welfare, said improving the living and working conditions of officers remained a priority.
He recalled his early experience as a Divisional Police Officer, saying he once took over a division with an empty sitting room and had to personally provide basic furniture and other items.
“If I was not comfortable as a DPO, imagine what officers of other ranks go through,” he said.
The IGP said plans were underway to construct more police barracks, provide affordable housing options for personnel and engage the government on salary and pension reviews.
He disclosed that the long-awaited review of the police salary structure had been completed and was awaiting presidential approval.
He added that efforts were also being made to provide officers with uniforms and other essential operational kits.
‘No impunity’ in the police force
Disu said his administration had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline and misconduct within the force.
He disclosed that officers accused of wrongdoing had been arrested and subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures, adding that some cases were made public to reassure citizens that misconduct would not be tolerated.
He also highlighted the work of the Complaint Response Unit, which handles reports of alleged police misconduct submitted by members of the public.
The IGP, however, warned that members of the public would also be held accountable when they violate the law.
He said offences such as driving against traffic would not be overlooked simply because the offenders were members of the public.
‘Jungle justice is murder’
Disu condemned jungle justice and mob violence, describing such acts as murder because suspects are deprived of their constitutional right to a fair trial.
He warned that anyone arrested over killings, including those who encourage or record mob attacks without taking steps to stop them, could face murder charges.
The IGP urged Nigerians to report suspected crimes to the police and other security agencies rather than resorting to self-help.
He also appealed to parents to discourage their children from participating in thuggery and other forms of violence, particularly during political activities.
Disu said the police had demonstrated professionalism during previous elections and would maintain the standard in future electoral activities.
He said his ultimate goal was to build a police force that Nigerians would genuinely regard as their own and trust to protect their lives and property.
