IGP Egbetokun Approves One-Day Takeover of Police Leadership Offices by Women Officers on December 4, 2025

In celebration of 70 years of women in policing in Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has approved a landmark initiative that will see female police officers take charge of all Police Management Team offices at the Force Headquarters for one day — December 4, 2025.

The announcement was made by the Force Gender Advisor, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, who explained that the directive also extends to all state police commands, where female officers will symbolically lead their respective commands on the same day.

According to AIG Abubakar, the IGP has further declared December 4 as “All Women Police Duty Day” — a day when female officers will not only occupy top management offices but also take charge of security operations involving the IGP, including escort and dispatch duties.

“This year marks a historic milestone in the annals of the Nigeria Police Force — the 70th anniversary of women in policing,” said AIG Abubakar. “From humble beginnings, women officers have played indispensable roles in maintaining law and order, promoting community safety, and upholding justice.”

She traced the journey of women in the police force back to 1955, when the first 20 female recruits were assigned clerical and domestic roles such as serving tea, handling telephones, and cleaning offices. Today, she noted, women have risen to occupy strategic leadership positions, including heading key training institutions like the Police Training Schools in Lagos, Oji River, Kaduna, and the Police Detective College.

Currently, women make up between 10% and 12% of the police workforce — a remarkable increase from the early years but still below the UN’s 35% benchmark for gender inclusion.

The 70th anniversary celebrations, themed “70 Years of Courage and Service: Honouring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future”, will take place on December 4–5, 2025.

Highlights include a grand opening ceremony featuring First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour, and a keynote address by Ms. Shanta Emily Knowles, the Chief of Police of the Bahamas.

The celebration aims to:

• Recognize the contributions of women police officers
• Strengthen trust between police and communities
• Inspire young women to pursue careers in policing
• Deepen collaboration with civil society on gender equity

AIG Abubakar commended the IGP for his “visionary leadership” and commitment to gender inclusion, noting that the force has increasingly aligned itself with global standards, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

“Under the leadership of the IGP, the force has embraced gender mainstreaming as key to effective policing,” she said. “It promotes inclusivity, strengthens operational efficiency, and improves our ability to meet the diverse needs of our communities.”

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