The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday led senior officers, distinguished guests, and female personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja to formally open the “Nigeria Police Women @ 70” celebrations, a landmark event honouring seven decades of women’s contributions to policing in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the IGP paid glowing tribute to the pioneering set of female officers enlisted in 1955 and the generations that followed, described them as pillars of courage, integrity, and professionalism whose sacrifices have strengthened national security and enhanced public trust in the Force.
He noted that over the years, women have consistently demonstrated excellence across all policing spheres and that their presence has reinforced the NPF’s vision of a modern, people-centred, and inclusive security institution.
IGP Egbetokun highlighted reforms introduced under his leadership to further empower female officers, including the expansion of career pathways, improved welfare, targeted leadership training, and reinforcement of the Gender Unit. He added that female personnel are now playing strategic roles in areas such as forensic science, cybercrime and digital investigations, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operations, and community safety—reflecting global best practices in modern policing.
The ceremony drew a distinguished audience led by the Special Guest of Honour, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Also present were the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, the Chief of Army Staff represented by Major General I.M. Abdullahi; the National Commissioner of Police, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Shanta E. Knowles; representatives of MDAs; UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah; President of POWA, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun; wives of Service Chiefs and Members of the National Assembly; and leaders of notable women’s organisations.
Retired senior female officers, including DIG Ivy Okoronkwo (rtd.), were also in attendance as the Force celebrated 70 years of breaking barriers, strengthening security, and elevating the role of women in policing.
