Female Officers To Lead Police For One Day As NPF Marks 70 Years Of Women In Service

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all seven Deputy Inspectors General at Force Headquarters to vacate their offices on December 4, 2025, to allow female officers take charge for one day.

The directive, part of activities marking 70 years of women in policing, also extends to all state commands, where female officers will act as heads for the day.

Force Gender Adviser, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, announced the move during a briefing in Abuja, noting that the IGP approved December 4 as All Women Police Duty Day.

On that day, women officers will not only run the Force Headquarters but also handle all security duties for the IGP, including escorts and dispatch operations.

AIG Baju described the gesture as symbolic of progress in gender inclusion within the Nigeria Police Force. She recalled that when the first 20 women joined the force in 1955, they were limited to clerical and domestic duties.

She said women now lead major commands and training institutions in Lagos, Oji River, Kaduna, and Enugu, and make up about 10 to 12 percent of the police workforce — still below the UN-recommended 35 percent.

Baju commended IGP Egbetokun for his support, saying the milestone celebrates women’s evolving role in upholding justice, maintaining order, and strengthening community safety.