The Nigeria Police Force is commemorating 70 years of women in policing, marking a historic journey of courage, resilience, and transformation from 1955 to 2025.
In an exclusive interview with the Voice of Nigeria, the Force Gender Advisor to the Inspector General of Police, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, reflected on the evolution of women’s roles in the force.
“The first set of women enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force was in 1955. It started with 20 amazing, courageous women.
“At that time, they had very limited roles. They were enlisted to serve as tea girls, telephone operators, traffic control for children going to school. Women were not allowed to carry arms.”
According to her, seven decades have brought remarkable progress.“To this day, 21st century, 2025, women are full-fledged operational officers. We have women deputy inspectors, general police, AIGs, and so on. It’s a long journey full of history, courage, resilience, and so much more. At least now we have fully operational women police officers,” she noted.
Closing the Gender Gap
AIG Baju explained that “From 20 women that started, the number is not really encouraging. Still, we make up about 12% of the population of police in Nigeria. Many IGs came with programmes supporting women, getting them more roles, approving ranks beyond Chief Superintendent of Police, to being in operational positions, and carrying arms,” she said.
She praised the current Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for championing gender-sensitive reforms
“The IG is working to ensure all discriminatory provisions in police acts and regulations are expunged. Last year, the gender policy was launched, addressing eight strategic objectives, including leadership roles, fighting gender-based violence, and closing the gender gap.”
On recruitment, she confirmed that “a bill has been presented in the National Assembly to increase the percentage of women in recruitment and leadership positions. We are now looking at 15 to 20 percent of the recruitment drive for women,” she added.
Women Leading Strategic Commands
AIG Baju highlighted the growing influence of female officers across the country. “We have women DIGs, AIGs, and Commissioners of Police leading critical formations—including Police College Ikeja, Police College Kaduna, and Oji River. Entrusting the training of the next generation of officers to them is phenomenal.”
Commemorative Activities
The 70th anniversary celebrations feature school outreach programmes, career talks, a five-kilometre walk against gender-based violence, distribution of hygiene packs to 1,000 girls, and a special all-female workday.
The grand finale, scheduled for December 4, will honour pioneering female officers and active women in the force. The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will serve as the special guest of honour.
Call for Support
AIG Baju appealed for sustained public support for women police officers. “Remember, as women police, we are also mothers, wives, and officers. The societal expectation is high. Support our women police. They are contributing a lot, and that is why we are being celebrated by the Inspector General of Police this year.”
The celebration is themed “70 Years of Courage and Service: Honouring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future.”