The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to equal professional opportunities for women, while honouring pioneer female officers who helped shape the history of policing in Nigeria. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday,…...
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to equal professional opportunities for women, while honouring pioneer female officers who helped shape the history of policing in Nigeria.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following Disu’s attendance at the public presentation and launch of a book authored by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella O. Okuyiga, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, October 13.
The book, titled The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955–1996), documents the experiences and contributions of pioneer women officers in the Force.
Serving as chief launcher at the event held at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Disu described the publication as “an important contribution to preserving the institutional history of the Nigeria Police Force and celebrating the courage, resilience and service of the pioneer women officers who opened the profession to generations of women.”
The IGP noted that Okuyiga, one of the first 20 women to join the Force in 1955, represented a generation whose dedication helped expand the role of women in policing.
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He stressed the importance of a police force that reflects and understands the diverse communities it serves, noting that women had continued to distinguish themselves in criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic leadership.
Disu reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to “merit-based advancement and equal professional opportunities,” adding that preserving the legacy of pioneer officers would help guide and inspire future generations.
Recalling his earlier engagement with Okuyiga while serving as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the IGP said she had expressed her desire to update and formally present the publication.
He commended the retired officer for preserving the experiences and contributions of the pioneer generation of policewomen and encouraged serving and retired officers, institutions and members of the public to support the book.
The IGP also urged stakeholders to promote the availability of the publication in police formations, training institutions and libraries to ensure that the history of pioneer women officers remained accessible to future generations.
Responding, Okuyiga expressed appreciation to Disu and the Nigeria Police Force for the support given to her in bringing the publication to fruition.
She noted that preserving the book in police libraries and training institutions would ensure that “the experiences and sacrifices of the pioneer women officers remain accessible to generations of personnel.”
The retired officer also expressed fulfilment that “her story and legacy would endure beyond her lifetime and continue to contribute to the institutional history of the Force.”
The event was attended by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by the Director of the Police Services Department, Ezekiel Audu; and AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju.
Others included the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ivy Uche Okoronkwo; retired senior police officers, traditional rulers, representatives of sister security agencies, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association and other dignitaries.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to preserving its institutional history, recognising officers who laid the foundations for the present-day Force and ensuring that leadership and career advancement opportunities remained open to all personnel based on professionalism, competence and merit.