By Fresh Facts Staff Reporter
Ila Orangun, Osun State
In a determined effort to bolster Nigeria’s internal security framework, the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (PMF) has concluded a two-week intensive combat operations course for Second-in-Command (2i/c) Squadron Commanders. The closing ceremony, held at the PMF Training College in Ila Orangun, Osun State, marked a significant milestone in the force’s ongoing effort to enhance field readiness and strategic leadership.
Repositioning for National Security
Addressing participants at the event, the Commandant of the PMF Training College, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anietie Eyoh, emphasized the strategic essence of the course and the broader vision behind it.
“This programme reflects our collective resolve to reposition the Mobile Force for operational excellence and to better serve our national security interests,” ACP Eyoh stated. He commended the Inspector General of Police for supporting field-relevant training initiatives that strengthen the tactical capacity of personnel.
The Commandant disclosed that the curriculum encompassed weapons handling, combat strategy, rapid response operations, and counter-terrorism tactics. He lauded the dedication and resilience of the officers, as well as the contributions of facilitators drawn from both academic and tactical institutions across Nigeria.
However, he did not shy away from pointing out critical challenges facing the college, including infrastructural deficits, lack of operational vehicles, poor water and electricity supply, and inadequate training equipment.
“The absence of a functional vehicle pool severely hampers our operational effectiveness,” he lamented.
Calls for Sustained Training Culture
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and former commandant of the training college, Wilson Dankwaba, also addressed the gathering, urging officers to apply the knowledge gained in service to the nation.
“Training is what defines the difference between action and inaction in the field. Hold fast to the lessons of this course. When danger strikes, what you’ve learned is your lifeline,” he said, while decrying the general decline in police training standards over the years.
Commendation and National Collaboration
Group Captain Christopher Fanu (Rtd), Chairman of the Police and Personality Forum, also delivered a goodwill message, praising the college’s terrain and the calibre of its personnel. He expressed optimism that, with proper support, the mobile police could play a decisive role in ending insurgency and kidnapping in the country.
In a message delivered on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Prof. M. A. Aderogba congratulated the participants and emphasized the role of unity and collaboration in building national institutions.
Words of Encouragement from the PMF Headquarters
Representing the Assistant Inspector General of Police at PMF Headquarters, AIG Funsho Adegboyega, mni, delivered the closing remarks. He described the training as transformative and commended the officers for embracing the challenges of the course.
“You have stretched beyond your comfort zones and acquired critical tactical skills. This is not an end but a beginning—go and make an impact,” he said, while declaring the course closed on behalf of the IGP.
Participants Reflect and Raise Operational Concerns
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, a representative of the 2i/c Squadron Commanders expressed gratitude to the police leadership for the opportunity, describing the course as a timely and strategic intervention.
“This initiative acknowledges our current security realities and the need for a modern, combat-ready police force,” he said.
Participants also commended the leadership of ACP Eyoh, describing him as a result-driven officer who ensured discipline and morale throughout the programme.
Nonetheless, the representative highlighted several pressing operational constraints affecting PMF units across the country, including:
- Obsolete and insufficient tactical gear such as bulletproof vests, GPS devices, drones, and night vision equipment.
- Acute vehicle shortages hampering mobility.
- Infrastructural gaps in newer squadrons, including lack of offices, fencing, water, and electricity.
- Substandard and overcrowded barracks that affect officer welfare.
- Career stagnation, with limited promotion opportunities and access to advanced training.
“These are not complaints, but facts on the ground,” he noted. “We voice them in the hope of inspiring meaningful reform.”
A Step Towards a Stronger Force
The ceremony concluded on a hopeful note, reinforcing the notion that the transformation of the Police Mobile Force is well underway. With enhanced tactical training, dedicated leadership, and a clear understanding of current security challenges, the PMF is positioning itself to respond more effectively to threats across the country.
While significant logistical and structural gaps remain, the training at Ila Orangun stands as a powerful reminder that progress is possible—and that with sustained investment, the Nigerian Police Force can meet the evolving demands of national security.
