Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, have joined other leaders in celebrating 70 years of women in the Nigeria Police Force, praising their courage, professionalism, and historic contributions to national security.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration in Abuja, Senator Tinubu described the celebration as “a testament of Nigerian women’s commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human dignity.”
She honoured the pioneering policewomen of 1955 who, she noted, “defied convention… broke barriers and laid the foundation upon which thousands of women now serve with distinction.”
She commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for “embracing gender mainstreaming as a strategic institutional priority,” and encouraged young girls to pursue policing as a noble path, declaring: “If you feel the call to serve, know that there is a place for you.”
The First Lady also unveiled the Nigeria Police Force’s training manual on response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and the 70th anniversary emblem.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, hailed the evolution of women in policing from 20 pioneers to today’s senior officers.
She stated“That humble seed has grown into a towering legacy… defined by compassion, courage, and unyielding excellence.”
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for equitable career progression.
“We stand firmly against discrimination in the promotion and deployment of women officers,” she stressed.
At the celebration of 70 Years of Women in Policing in Nigeria (1955–2025), the Force Gender Advisor to the IGP, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, described the day as “a profound honour and privilege” and a moment to reflect on “a remarkable journey — the journey of Nigerian women in the Police Force.”
She recalled that women once served in roles “once confined to tea girls, telephone operators, and traffic controllers for school children” but now hold positions as CPs, AIGs and DIGs.
AIG Baju praised IGP Egbetokun as a gender supporting Inspector General of Police, noting that under his leadership, “more than 50% of the Area Commanders are women” in Abuja and Lagos, with women now heading four police colleges and major technical departments.
She also spotlighted the NPF GBV Training Manual and the NPF Standard Operating Procedure on GBV as laudable progressive strides.
Keynote speaker, Ms. Shanta Emily Knowles, Commissioner, Royal Bahamas Police Force, hailed Nigerian women officers,
“This story of women in policing is one that is marred with persistence in the face of adversity, of breaking barriers that were rigid and impenetrable……and continuously reshaping a foundation that included a niche for both men and women to flourish!” She said.
She said the theme “Honoring Women Trailblazers and Empowering the Next Generation ” was powerful and captivating charging that “lasting success comes from perseverance and consistency…”
“Women bring skills to the organization that cannot simply be garnered by males alone. Essential skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication are effective tools when handling individuals. They make policing more effective by building trust amongst the community and better responses to situations that are deemed sensitive,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey as her country’s first female Commissioner, she reminded Women officers that “failure is not an option in this male dominant profession,” urging them to “dust yourself off and try again!
“To the current female police leaders under the sound of my voice, I say to you….dig deeper, work harder and go the extra mile, because the impossible is now possible…” she charged.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, paid tribute to seven decades of excellence, stating: “Today, we stand tall because we stood firm… Excellence wears many faces, and one of them is undeniably woman.”
He reaffirmed that women are “central to our identity… instrumental to our future,” and pledged “zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or career obstruction.”
“To every female police officer, past, present, and future, we see you, we value you, we celebrate you,” he concluded.