IGP Disu revives moribund Mobile Police Force to combat kidnapping, banditry

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has announced the revival of the Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) — Nigeria’s once-feared paramilitary police unit — declaring “the fighting arm of the police is back” as part of a broader strategy to combat kidnapping, banditry and insurgency across the country.

Speaking exclusively with The Nation after touring police barracks in Lagos at the weekend, Disu said MOPOL officers — particularly those in the Northeast — had returned to training after years of neglect that left the unit ill-equipped, underfunded and demoralised.

The IGP said experienced retired MOPOL personnel were voluntarily returning to training camps to mentor younger officers and transfer institutional knowledge.

“It shows that even in retirement, they still love the job and love Nigeria,” Disu said, expressing confidence that the revived unit would effectively contribute to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.