The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the critical role of the Mobile Police Force in addressing the escalating issues of insurgency and banditry in Nigeria. Speaking at the opening of a training course for trainers and instructors at the Police Mobile Force Training College in Ende Hills, Nasarawa State, Disu emphasized that the effectiveness of the government's efforts to combat these security threats hinges on the operational readiness of the Mobile Police.

During his address, Disu highlighted the specialized training and tactical skills that Mobile Police officers possess, which are essential for countering insurgency. He referenced a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who has instructed security chiefs to restore peace and stability across the nation. "The President said, ‘Call all the service commanders,’ and give marching orders: bring back peace to the country, quell insurgency, quell banditry," Disu stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The IGP noted that the full readiness of the Mobile Police Force is paramount, stating, "Until the Mobile Police is ready, insurgency will be difficult to reduce. So I want us to bring back that training. I want us to bring back that ability, because the whole nation, all Nigerians, are depending on you and me."

In a bid to enhance the capabilities of the Mobile Police, Disu announced the expansion of the Force to 84 squadrons nationwide. This initiative aims to better equip the Mobile Police to tackle Nigeria's complex security challenges, which encompass terrorism, banditry, armed criminality, and attacks on critical infrastructure. He described the current security landscape as fluid and sophisticated, necessitating a Mobile Force that combines strength with intelligence and discipline.

The ongoing training course is designed as a strategic intervention to ensure that each squadron is adequately prepared and operationally ready. Disu urged the trainers to focus on producing improved officers, emphasizing that the quality of training directly influences the effectiveness of personnel in the field. He reassured that the leadership of the Mobile Police would continue to prioritize training, modernization, and the welfare of officers, while also expecting commitment and results.

Francis Idu, the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Police Mobile Force, reported that the PMF had recently returned for retraining after extensive clearance operations in various regions. He expressed gratitude to the IGP for supporting this critical exercise, which aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the police units.

Idu also shared operational successes, noting that clearance operations have restored order in areas from Lagos to Edo, with ongoing efforts to secure the South-East region. He assured that the retraining would further boost field performance and address remaining security flashpoints.

The Commandant of the Police Mobile Force Training College, Sunday Peter, revealed that out of 750 instructors identified for the training, 450 are currently participating in the first phase, with the remainder set for the second phase. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the Mobile Police Force is well-prepared to meet the nation's security challenges head-on.