By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Abuja
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Baju says Nigerian women in the police force have evolved from being assigned clerical and domestic duties to holding key operational and command positions across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark 70 years of women in policing (1955–2025), Baju said female officers are now occupying strategic roles, including the rank of Commissioners of Police and Commanders of operational squads.
“In those days, they said we couldn’t carry arms. Now, our women are very professional at carrying arms. We have women commanding squadrons and leading formations,” she said.
Baju, who serves as the Force Gender Advisor, recalled that when women were first enlisted in 1955, they were restricted to tasks such as serving tea, handling telephones, and controlling traffic for school children.
She revealed that the restriction which limited women’s promotion to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police has long been abolished, with at least six women now serving as Assistant Inspectors-General of Police.
“The number of women in the force is currently around 10 to 12 per cent, and we are working towards increasing it,” she said, noting that the policy reforms have significantly boosted women’s visibility and participation in policing.
Baju also disclosed that one of the 20 pioneer female officers recruited in 1955, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Stella Okwuyida, is still alive at 95 and will be honoured during the anniversary celebration.
She was accompanied at the briefing by the Director, Force Medical Services, CP Nkechi Eze, and the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.