The success of Nigeria’s 15th Biannual Police Games (BIPOGA), sent ripples through the national sports landscape as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), has now been included in the next edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF).
BIPOGA is organised by the Authorities of Nigerian Police, to facilitate the discovery and nurturing of athletes across the length and breath of the country, as part of its contribution to National Development.
The clinical organisation and high engagement levels seen during the combat sports events, played a key role in getting the approval for MMA to debut at the sports Festival. The BIPOGA Games was held in Asaba, Delta State from the 14th -21st February, 2026.
According to a statement released by the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Kalu Chijioke Erem, this latest development can be attributed to Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies’ efforts in strengthening MMA governance nationwide.
CSP Erem, who is also board member of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, (NMMAF), emphasised that MMA’s rise from obscurity reflects deliberate institutional support and commitment by the Nigeria Police Force.
“The attention,visibility, and momentum MMA enjoys in Nigeria stem from the influence and credibility of the Nigeria Police Force,” CSP Erem said.
“After being a demo sport at the 14th BIPOGA edition held in Ibadan, Oyo State, MMA became a fully recognised, scoring sport for the first time in the history of the sport in Nigeria at the 15th edition in Asaba.”
“Our goal was to transform MMA from a fringe activity into a structured, regulated, and globally competitive sport,” he said.
The statement added that the Nigeria Police Force boosted MMA growth by establishing its MMA Association, chaired by CSP Erem, and providing Institutional support to the sport after a demonstration at the 14th BIPOGA Games in in Ibadan.
CSP Erem confirmed that the Force also funded national championships, produced globally competitive athletes and secured Inspector-General of Police Level endorsement to legitimise MMA.
Most recently, Police athletes such as Juliet Chukwu, Juliet Ukah, and Ewah Bernard, have gained global visibility, bringing pride to the Nigeria Police Force and country.