NIGERIA: IGP Egbetokun Salutes Female Officers As Nigeria Police Women Mark 70 Years of Service

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun on Wednesday led the nation in celebrating seven decades of women’s service in the Nigeria Police Force, hailing female officers for their courage, professionalism and pivotal role in modern policing.

Speaking at the grand opening of the “Nigeria Police Women @ 70” commemorative event in Abuja, the IGP paid glowing tribute to generations of women who have served since the first female officers were enlisted in 1955, describing them as indispensable pillars of integrity and public trust.

He highlighted sweeping gender-responsive reforms introduced under his leadership, including expanded career opportunities, improved welfare packages, targeted leadership training and a strengthened Gender Unit.

He noted that women now occupy critical roles in forensic science, cybercrime investigations, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping missions and community policing, demonstrating the Force’s evolution into a more inclusive and globally competitive institution.

The colourful ceremony was attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who graced the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, alongside Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, former Foreign Affairs Minister Dame Pauline Tallen, the Chief of Army Staff represented by Major General I.M. Abdullahi, National Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Shanta E. Knowles, UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah, President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association Dr (Mrs) Elizabeth Egbetokun, wives of Service Chiefs and National Assembly members, as well as retired senior female officers led by DIG Ivy Okoronkwo (rtd).

The week-long celebration is expected to feature lectures, awards and cultural activities recognising the sacrifices and achievements of women in the Nigeria police Force.