By: Kingsley Omonobi

Ahead of the celebrations of the 70 years of women in policing in Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun has boosted Gender Mainstreaming by ensuring inclusivity and global standards in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

Force Gender Advisor, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju made this known at a briefing on Wednesday on activities lined up to commemorate 70 years of Women Policing in the Nigeria Police Force.

According to her, “The IGP has championed policies and reforms that promote gender mainstreaming across all levels of the Force, from recruitment and training to deployment and leadership, we are working to ensure that women are not only included but empowered to lead and thrive.

Recalling that in 1955 when the first set of 20 women police personnel recruited into the Nigerian Police force were hired to serve tea, operate telephones and clean the environment among other things, AIG Abubakar disclosed that Women in Policing have evolved towards international best practices with Women Police officers assuming operational command, strategic offices.

She cited for Police training Institutions today which are under the commands of Female Assistant Inspectors General of Police including Police Training School, Lagos, Oji River, Kaduna and the Police Detective College among others saying the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has done so much to give women the pride of place in policing.

The Gender Advisor noted at as at today, women police officers make up to between 10 to 12 per cent of the total number of personnel of the police, a huge improvement compared to the past, even though the UN figure figure stands at 35 per cent.

She said, “This year marks a historic milestone in the annals of the Nigeria Police Force – the 70th anniversary of women in Policing. In 1955, the first cohort of women joined the Nigeria Police Force, breaking barriers and laying the foundation for generations of courageous, resilient, and dedicated women officers who have since served our nation with distinction.

“From those humble beginnings to the present day, women in the NPF have played an indispensable role in maintaining law and order, promoting community safety, and upholding justice. Their contributions, often made in the face of adversity, deserve not only our recognition but our celebration.

“This anniversary with the theme -70 Years of Courage and Service: Honouring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future, Scheduled for 4th and 5th of December, 2025 is more than a commemoration; it is a call to honor the pioneering spirit of our women officers, to highlight their impact on community safety, and to showcase the progress made – and challenges overcome — in the journey toward gender equality in policing.

“We also aim to inspire future generations of young women to see policing not just as a career, but as a calling — one that empowers them to serve, protect, and lead.

“To mark the occasion, the Nigeria Police Force will host a series of celebratory events, including a grand opening event on the role of women in policing and mentorship with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Special Guest of Honour and the Keynote speaker will be the Chief of Police of the Bahamas, Ms. Shanta Emily Knowles

“Through these activities, we anticipate greater recognition of the contributions of women police officers, strengthened trust and engagement between the police and the communities, renewed interest among young women in pursuing careers in the Police and deeper partnerships between the NPF and civil society organizations committed to gender equity

While commending the IGP’s commitment to gender equality, the Advisor said, “Under the visionary leadership of the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force has become a gender-sensitive, gender-equal, and gender-responsive institution.

“This commitment is not just aspirational — it is strategic and aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope on

“Inclusivity and global standards, including the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

“The NPF recognizes that gender mainstreaming is essential to effective policing. It enhances operational effectiveness, fosters inclusive decision-making, and strengthens our ability to respond to the diverse needs of the communities we serve.”

To symbolically celebrate the 70 years, the IGP has directed the Police management team at the Force headquarters, comprising seven Deputy Inspectors General of Police, to yeild their office for one day to allow female police officers act as management team members to the IGP for one day on December 4, 2025.

Aside the Force headquarters, All State Police Command headquarters are to yield the offices of their command headquarters to women officers to act on the same day.

The IGP also approved the 4th of December as All Women Police Duty Day at Force headquarters meaning that women will not only occupy all the offices at Force headquarters, they will be responsible for IGP security on the day, provide his dispatch riders, escorts for the IGP’s activities on the 4th of December 2025.