RismadarVoice Reporters
October 14, 2026
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, effective service delivery and responsible conduct during the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the assurance in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the public presentation and launch of a book documenting the history and contributions of pioneering female officers in the Nigeria Police Force.
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 from 1955–1996, was written by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga.
Speaking as the chief launcher, the IGP expressed confidence that police personnel would discharge their responsibilities effectively during the forthcoming elections while upholding the integrity and reputation of the Force.
He also commended the author for documenting the experiences and contributions of the first generation of female police officers, describing the publication as an important contribution to Nigeria’s policing history.
Disu noted that the book launch coincided with activities marking the International Week of the Girl Child, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for girls and women to pursue careers without discrimination.
According to him, the responsibilities of female police officers have expanded considerably over the decades, moving beyond traditional administrative and traffic assignments into criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, tactical operations, specialised policing and senior management positions.
He observed that women now occupy leadership positions within the Force, including command and operational responsibilities, demonstrating the importance of competence, dedication and professional development.
The police chief urged Nigerians to support initiatives that promote equal opportunities for women in public service and other professional fields.
He said empowering girls and women would strengthen national development and ensure that individuals could contribute meaningfully to society regardless of gender.
Disu further described Okuyiga’s publication as a valuable historical record that recognises the sacrifices of pioneering female officers and preserves their experiences for future generations.
He said documenting such contributions would help younger officers understand the evolution of policing in Nigeria and appreciate the role women have played in shaping the institution.
Speaking at the event, Okuyiga expressed satisfaction that her experiences and those of other pioneering female officers had been documented for posterity.
The retired police officer described the publication as an important personal milestone, expressing hope that the book would be preserved in libraries and serve as a reference for researchers, police personnel and future generations.
The event brought attention to the historical contributions of women to policing in Nigeria, alongside the Force’s stated commitment to professionalism ahead of the 2027 elections.
