Women Constitute 12% of Nigerian Police Force, Reports Gender Adviser
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that women now constitute 12 percent of its total workforce — a marked improvement from previous decades when female officers were rarely recruited and often confined to clerical or domestic duties such as serving tea in offices.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju, the Force Gender Adviser to the Inspector-General of Police, disclosed this during activities marking the 70th anniversary of women in policing in Nigeria.
She described the progress as “a significant shift from the days when women were hardly visible in operational policing.”
According to Baju, the Force has made steady efforts in recent years to promote gender inclusion, with women now holding leadership positions and commanding divisions across the country.
“Today, women are no longer restricted to administrative roles. They are investigators, divisional police officers, and area commanders. Some head strategic departments and contribute meaningfully to security operations,” she said.
She recalled that in 1955, only about 20 women were enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force, and their duties were largely limited to handling female suspects or performing clerical tasks. “At that time, women in the police were not taken seriously. Many were employed only to serve tea or file documents. But the narrative has changed,” she added.
The Force Gender Adviser noted that the current 12 percent representation reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness in public service. She credited the progress to the adoption of gender-sensitive policies, reforms within the Police Service Commission, and the support of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
The 70th anniversary of women in policing was attended by senior officers, female trailblazers, and representatives of civil society organizations.
It featured mentorship sessions, community outreach programs, and career talks aimed at encouraging more women to join the Force.
Baju also announced plans to implement a 35 percent recruitment quota for female applicants in upcoming intakes, in line with the National Gender Policy. “We are building a future where female officers will have equal opportunities to lead, serve, and contribute to national security,” she said.
Observers say the new statistics highlight both progress and remaining gaps. While 12 percent marks a significant rise compared to the early years, women still remain underrepresented, particularly in senior command positions.
Analysts have called for sustained institutional reforms to ensure that female officers are given equal access to promotions, specialized training, and operational deployments.
The Nigeria Police Force’s renewed gender inclusion strategy, according to Baju, aims to transform the Force into a model of equality and professionalism.
“Our message is clear — policing is not a man’s job alone. It is a calling for all who have the heart to serve and protect,” she concluded.
