For seven decades, Nigerian women have served in the male-dominated Nigerian Police Force, carving a path marked by resilience, dedication, and increasing empowerment.
The inclusion of women in the Nigerian Police Force dates back to 1955, when the first group of female officers was inducted following sustained advocacy by women’s organizations during the colonial era.
According to historical archives, this initial intake consisted of twenty women trained at the Southern Police College, primarily posted in Lagos. Maryamu Baba holds the distinction as Nigeria’s first female police constable, enlisted officially in July 1955.
The colonial administration initially opposed the idea, with beliefs that women could not endure the demanding nature of police work or gain acceptance, particularly in the more conservative northern regions.
Despite resistance, persistent lobbying by Nigerian women activists underscored the need for female officers, especially to handle issues affecting women and children and to manage cases involving female suspects.
Ivy Uche Okoronkwo was a trailblazer in the post-colonial period, becoming the first female Commissioner of Police in 2005 and later the first female Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in 2010—the highest rank a woman had attained in the NPF at that time. More recently, AIG Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Baju has been recognized as one of the most senior female officers, continuing the legacy of prominence.
Policewomen in Nigeria have performed diverse and critical roles, from administrative responsibilities to front-line tactical operations and command leadership. Over the years, women have led state commands, been involved in investigations, traffic control, intelligence, and peacekeeping missions nationally and internationally.
In 2025, the NPF announced a national celebration commemorating 70 years of female officers in its ranks, recognizing their pivotal contributions to maintaining law and order and fostering community trust. Inspector-General of Police Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised female officers as “pillars of integrity, empathy and excellence,” highlighting their expanded presence in tactical and leadership roles.
The anniversary events include panel discussions, historical exhibitions, and outreach programmes promoting inclusivity and capacity development, underscoring the Force’s commitment to empowering women within its ranks.
The journey of Nigerian policewomen has not been without obstacles. Officers face unique challenges related to pregnancy, childbirth, menstrual cycles, and the physical demands of policing. Gender-conscious policies have gradually evolved, yet many women officers report inadequate maternity leave provisions and limited accommodations for gender-specific needs.
Research on Nigerian policewomen highlights persistent issues—sexual harassment, discrimination, lack of promotion opportunities, and the onerous balancing act of policing duties alongside family responsibilities. Many accounts reveal female officers being viewed through stereotypes and struggling against ingrained patriarchy within the police culture.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, NPF’s Public Relations Officer, has underscored recent strides towards creating gender-sensitive environments, including improved welfare facilities and flexible duty rosters. However, grassroots female officers often describe the sector as physically and emotionally taxing, requiring resilience beyond traditional expectations.
For many Nigerian women, joining the police has been a call to public service and meaningful engagement in community safety. Interviews reveal a common thread of motivations: a desire to protect vulnerable populations, break gender barriers, and contribute to national development.
Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding female workforce have fueled increased recruitment of women into the NPF, with the security sector offering an avenue of stable employment and leadership opportunities. Organizations advocating gender equality view policing as vital for redefining women’s roles in governance and national security.
Despite challenges, Nigerian policewomen have made significant gains in rank, visibility, and professional respect. The highest rank achieved by a female officer, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), represents a milestone symbolizing both advancement and the continuing need for systemic reform.
Experts call for enhanced support mechanisms encompassing maternity rights, gender-sensitive training, equitable promotion pathways, and measures to combat harassment and discrimination. Building gender parity within the NPF remains a work-in-progress requiring sustained political will and cultural change.
The 70-year milestone invites reflection on the dual legacy of endurance and progress. Female officers continue to redefine policing principles with compassion and excellence, contributing indispensably to Nigeria’s security fabric.
