AIG Funsho Adeboye,representative of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, (right) and the Commandant, Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, ACP Anietie Eyoh, at the opening of a tactical leadership training for Deputy Squadron Commanders of PMF.
Monday Ojomah
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has opened a 12-day tactical leadership training for Deputy Squadron Commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) across the country.
The training is designed to expose the Deputy Squadron Commanders of the Police Mobile Force to hands-on instructions in hostage rescue and negotiation tactics, ambush response and counter-ambush manoeuvres, jungle survival and field navigation, tactical planning and deployment strategy as well as crisis management and situational leadership.
The training which is taking place at the Police Mobile Force training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, has as its theme, “Strengthening Tactical Excellence and Resilience”.
IGP Egbetokun said the capacity-building programme is designed to sharpen the leadership skills and field capabilities of second-in-command officers who play critical roles in the day-to-day operational readiness of PMF squadrons.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, MOPOL, Abuja,
AIG Funsho Adeboye, the IGP said the Police Force is undergoing a strategic evolution—and tactical leadership is at the heart of it, emphasising that the training reflects his broader agenda to institutionalize capacity-building within the Force.
“This seminar affirms the Inspector General’s resolve to equip our leaders with the competence and confidence to lead in volatile situations. Deputy Squadron Commanders are not reserve officers or administrative assistants, they are combat leaders, operational anchors, and field tacticians.”
“In an era where threats are no longer conventional, our responses must also be unconventional—anchored on skill, strategy, and strong leadership. That’s exactly what this seminar is about.”
“Successful operations now require more than conventional strategies because we are dealing with new-age criminals, unpredictable threats, and unconventional tactics. We have to re-strategize and ensure our officers are several steps ahead.”
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The IGP said the training will be sustained and expanded to include other critical cadres—provosts, administrative officers, armory officers, and others who keep the Police’ tactical machine running.
Commandant of the PMF training college, ACP Anietie Eyoh, emphasized the indispensable role deputy commanders play in sustaining operational momentum within the Force.
“These officers are not just assistants to Squadron Commanders, they are often the first line of leadership when decisions must be made in the heat of operations. This training is about giving them the tools to lead confidently, act decisively, and command effectively in any tactical environment.”
ACP Eyoh said the training is designed in consultation with tactical experts and incorporates real-world scenarios adapted to Nigeria’s unique security landscape.
“The threat matrix has changed. What we need now is leadership that is adaptive, courageous, and mentally agile. So, the curriculum for the training is as rigorous as it is relevant”.
“We want officers who are not only loyal and brave, but also competent and innovative”, Eyoh emphasised.
The College has also integrated simulation-based training to create real-time decision-making environments, allowing officers to practice under pressure.
“This is not a classroom theory-learning training. We are preparing these men for real combat situations. Every scenario is designed to test not just their skill, but their ability to lead”, one of the trainers said.
Participants for the training were drawn from 80 PMF squadrons nationwide, representing the full breadth of the Force’s tactical reach.
Many of them expressed appreciation for the opportunity to receive structured leadership training tailored to their unique role.
One of participants from the North-East Zone said, “I’ve spent years in the field, but this is the first time a programme is focused solely on enhancing our leadership abilities as Deputy Commanders.”
“It’s empowering and it’s long overdue”, another participant added.
• Community Stakeholders Laud Commandant for transforming PMF Training College, Ila-Orangun
The former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has commended ACP Anietie Eyoh, Commandant of the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, for transforming the institution.
Speaking after touring the College before the opening ceremony of the Deputy Squadron Commanders’ training, Chief Akande, lauded the Commandant for the facelift of the College and commended his leadership for “repositioning the institution into a true centre of excellence.”
Represented by Mr. Benedict Alabi, the former Deputy Governor said, “there is a visible transformation here—both in infrastructure and vision. This is the kind of leadership development Nigeria needs.”
The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dr. Adedokun Abolarin, said the people of Ila-Orangun are proud of the leadership of the College and expressed solidarity with the Nigeria Police Force and assured the PMF College of continued support from the host community.
“The people of Ila-Orangun are proud to be home to an institution that is contributing so critically to national peace and stability”, Abolarin said.
