The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday marked the 70th anniversary of women in policing, with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, delivering a historic address celebrating seven decades of courage, service and transformation.

Speaking at the event themed “70 Years of Courage: The Women Who Forged Our Force,” the IGP paid glowing tribute to the pioneering women who joined the Force in 1955, describing them as visionaries who shattered social barriers and laid the foundation for the modern role of women in policing.

The IGP recounted that early female officers were confined to limited duties such as juvenile welfare, clerical tasks, and cases involving women and children. Despite the restrictions, he noted, they displayed professionalism, compassion, and discipline that transformed the institution over time.

“Today, thousands of women serve across every layer of policing: operational, tactical, investigative, administrative, and strategic,” the IGP said. “They lead specialised units, command divisions, and represent Nigeria in sensitive national and international operations. We stand taller because they stood firm.”

He highlighted the achievements of notable icons, including retired ACP Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, and countless unnamed heroines serving in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, intelligence, cybercrime, forensics, community policing, and sexual and gender-based violence response.

Egbetokun also emphasised institutional reforms, including the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force Gender Unit, which he described as a model in West Africa. The Unit, he said, ensures workplace fairness, strengthens the response to gender-based violence, and drives gender-responsive policing in collaboration with the UN and development partners.

The IGP reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, noting an increase in the deployment of female officers for international peacekeeping missions and their growing representation at decision-making levels.

Under the present leadership, he said, women are assuming more strategic command roles, reflecting the shift from restricted duties to mainstream leadership. He pledged continued reforms to support female officers, including enhanced training opportunities, merit-based promotions, zero tolerance for discrimination, and improved welfare and family-friendly policies.

“The Nigeria Police Force is proud of its women. We honour your strength, celebrate your intellect, and rely on your courage,” the IGP declared. “You are central to our identity and essential to our mission.”

Addressing younger female officers, he charged them to continue shaping the next chapter of the Force with professionalism, competence and compassion.

Egbetokun extended profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support toward women’s empowerment and the growth of the Police Force. He also acknowledged the presence of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, describing her as the “mother of the nation” and commending her commitment to women across Nigeria.

The IGP concluded by calling the anniversary a renewed commitment to gender equity in policing, saying the future of the Force rests on continued progress and transformation.

“Today, the entire nation salutes you,” he said. “To every female police officer, past, present and future, we see you, we value you, and we celebrate you.”

In her remark, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has hailed the Nigerian Police Force for its unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human dignity as the country marks seven decades of women in policing. Speaking at a landmark anniversary event themed “70 Years of Courage and Service: Honouring Women in Policing, Inspiring the Future,” Senator Tinubu described the milestone as a celebration of women who have stood on the frontlines of law enforcement, peacekeeping, and community safety.

Commending the Force under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the First Lady highlighted the Force’s alignment with global best practices and its strategic prioritisation of gender mainstreaming. “As we commemorate this 70-year milestone, we also cast our gaze forward. The task before us is to build an even stronger foundation for the next generation of women officers,” she said, urging female officers to continue upholding the law while inspiring their communities.

“You have not only upheld the law; you have uplifted your homes and the nation. You have been exemplary peacekeepers and ambassadors of Nigerian excellence abroad,” Senator Tinubu added, emphasising the dual role of women officers as both protectors and societal role models. She also addressed young women considering careers in policing, encouraging them to answer the call to serve. “If you feel the call to serve our great nation, know that there is a place for you. This uniform symbolises service, dignity, honour, and responsibility,” she noted.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on Thursday, 4 December 2025, hosted the National Police Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Commissioner Shanta Emily Knowles, OM, during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen international policing cooperation, particularly in areas of shared security interests.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the two police chiefs held high-level discussions on expanding collaboration in modern law enforcement, with a focus on training and capacity development, intelligence sharing, enhanced border management, and strengthening security partnership frameworks.

The engagement underscored a joint commitment to tackling transnational crimes and improving operational synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

IGP Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the renewed collaboration, noting that the partnership offers valuable opportunities for mutual growth. He added that joint training programmes, expert exchanges, and coordinated security strategies will significantly boost policing efficiency and national security in both nations.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its dedication to fostering robust international partnerships aimed at advancing national and global security.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has held a high-level stakeholders meeting with the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Federal Character Commission to review and harmonise plans for the recruitment of 50,000 police officers nationwide.

According to a press release signed by Torty Njoku Kalu, Head, Protocol & Public Affairs, Office of the Chairman, PSC, the meeting, which took place at the PSC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, focused on creating a seamless, transparent and credible recruitment process anchored on fairness, equity and merit.

Speaking at the session, PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), represented by Board Member and Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on NPF Matters, DIG (Dr) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to an open, inclusive and technology-driven exercise that will enhance the capacity and diversity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, who led the ministry’s delegation, pledged the ministry’s full collaboration to ensure the success of the recruitment drive.

Key resolutions reached at the meeting include strict adherence to Federal Character provisions to guarantee equal representation across all states and geopolitical zones; promotion of gender inclusivity through deliberate efforts to encourage qualified female applicants; and implementation of a transparent process that is accessible to the public and protected from undue interference.

All participating agencies agreed to work collectively to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment exercise and uphold national unity.

The PSC assured prospective applicants and Nigerians that the process will be conducted with the highest standards of accountability and in compliance with relevant laws and guidelines. Details and timelines for the recruitment exercise will be announced subsequently.

The Delta State Police Command has reiterated that the ban on the use, sale and display of fireworks, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics remains fully in force as the festive season approaches.

According to a press release signed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, emphasized that the prohibition covers all categories of fireworks, including popular forms such as knockouts and bangers. He noted that criminal elements often exploit the noise and confusion caused by fireworks to commit crimes, making strict enforcement necessary to ensure public safety throughout the Yuletide.

The Command disclosed that it has recently recovered fireworks worth millions of naira during ongoing enforcement operations.

Parents and guardians have been urged to caution their children and wards against using fireworks, while retailers have been warned to discontinue their sale. The Command stressed that violators will be arrested, prosecuted, and have their goods confiscated.

To ensure full compliance, CP Abaniwonda has directed the DCP Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, along with all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders, to intensify monitoring across their jurisdictions.

The Command commended residents for their cooperation and encouraged the public to report any use or sale of fireworks to the nearest police station or through the following control room numbers:

• 08036684974
• 08114895600
• 08025666914

The Commissioner of Police wished all residents of Delta State a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

…..seeks collaboration with NDLEA

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the reappointment of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for another term of five years, a decision the Council says will further strengthen and consolidate the ongoing effort against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

According to a press releass on Thursday 4th December 2025 signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, National President of the NCWS, Princess Edna Azura who gave the commendation when she led other leaders of the Council on a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 called for more collaboration between the women’s group and NDLEA in the area of joint sensitization programmes in schools, markets, and communities as well as training of women leaders in drug use prevention, treatment and care.

“We want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this wonderful opportunity that he has given you extra five years. We are very, very grateful. This renewal is a clear national endorsement of your monumental contributions to national security, public health, women and youth protection. We are confident that your continued leadership will further fortify the nation’s fight against drug trafficking and promote sustainable peace and stability”, she noted.

She described Marwa’s leadership at NDLEA as transformative and inspiring. “Over the years, you have demonstrated what strong ethical and visionary public service truly means. Under your leadership, the Agency has recorded unprecedented achievements from dismantling sophisticated drug trafficking networks to intercepting record level quantities of illicit substances, improving intelligence driven operations, expanding community based preventive education and strengthening rehabilitation pathways for victims of substance abuse. We are very grateful for that.

These achievements are not just institutional milestones, they represent hope for millions of families, especially women and children, who often suffer the silent painful consequences of drug related crime, domestic challenges and societal instability”, she stated.

While seeking further partnership with NDLEA in the fight against the drug scourge, Princess Azura said “at NCWS, we have also been actively mobilising women, mothers, teachers and community groups to participate in the fight against substance abuse. Our ongoing school outreach programmes, advocacy forums and community sensitisation campaigns across the states have proven that when women are fully engaged, prevention becomes more effective.”

She said the NCWS is eager to explore strategic areas of cooperation with NDLEA, including training of the Council’s national officers and state leaders as community anti-drug ambassadors; joint advocacy campaigns targeting mothers and caregivers; rehabilitation and reintegration especially for women and youths affected by substance abuse, among others.

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to the NCWS leaders for the visit and their kind remarks about him and President Tinubu. He said as the umbrella body for all women societies across the country, it is imperative for NDLEA to partner with the NCWS. He said the Agency considers the drug menace as Nigeria’s number one problem today because it affects everyone and every community directly or indirectly, adding that with a population of about 15million drug users, there’s the need for a whole of society response.

“So, this is a big challenge and government cannot handle it alone, we have to have the whole of society to work with us. So NCWS, we don’t have any bigger partners than you because you are the mothers handling families all over the country, and it is very, very critical that you stand up. You have to stand up and be part of this struggle to redeem the souls of our young boys and girls, including the women who are afflicted”, he stated.

The NDLEA boss assured the women leaders that the NDLEA will not only partner with them but will equally organise Drug Use Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) training to equip them for the task ahead in 2026. “We will hold a DPTC training for you, we usually to do that for governors’ spouses and I think we will tailor it to exactly what you will need, so that you can also take it down to the states, and down to the grassroots.”

He urged them to also buy in and take ownership of the current push for drug integrity test for intending couples as part of efforts to discourage substance abuse and encourage early detection and treatment, especially among the youth.

A police officer has died and another injured following a fatal accident on the Sani Abacha Expressway by the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident, which occurred at about 2:20 pm, stating that preliminary investigations showed that a mixer truck driven by one Salman Usman of a Wuse Zone 5-based construction company lost control and crashed at the scene. The two officers, who were on official duty at the time, were hit in the process.

One of the officers died from the impact, while the other sustained varying degrees of injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

According to a press release signed by SP Josephine Adeh, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, the tragic incident highlights the daily risks faced by police personnel as they work to maintain safety and manage traffic within the Federal Capital Territory.

The driver of the truck has been arrested, and the vehicles involved have been recovered for further investigation and safety assessment.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, commiserated with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased officer and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured personnel. He also assured residents that a thorough investigation is underway and that justice will be pursued.

Residents were reminded to contact the Command for emergencies or security concerns via 08061581938 and 08032003913.

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command’s Scorpion Squad have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and human trafficking with the arrest of fourteen (14) suspects and the rescue of twenty-three (23) foreign nationals held captive by a transnational criminal syndicate.

The intelligence-led operation was carried out around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 22nd October 2025, at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the victims, who were all foreign nationals, were lured into Nigeria under the guise of lucrative job offers but were later held hostage while their abductors demanded ransom from their families through WhatsApp and other online platforms.

Preliminary investigations identified the leader of the syndicate as one Abubakar Jigiba, a notorious transnational criminal kingpin with known operational bases in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria. His brother, Sougule Zoubere, allegedly coordinated the recruitment, kidnapping, and smuggling of victims from Mali into Nigeria, where they were detained until ransom payments were made. The suspects reportedly demanded four million CFA (₦10 million)** per victim.

Further investigation revealed that the victims were trafficked through illegal border routes in a three-day journey and confined in two fortified two-bedroom apartments under inhumane conditions. Acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence, police operatives stormed the hideout, rescuing 23 victims, comprising 14 males, 8 females, and 1 child, all of whom were unhurt except one who sustained a minor ear injury and has been taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.

The arrested suspects include: Bubakari Cisse (40), Karamogo Dembele (25), Musa Kamsoko (23), Amadou Traore (25), Sareba Traore (24), Zoumana Diara (23), Umar Koulibaly (26), Alasgara Sagara (20), Berthe Saidu (23), Abdullahi Napo (32), Isah Goita (26), Lorita Traore (22), Mohammed Siaaibe (23), and Haruna Dembele (37). Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the kingpin, Abubakar Jigiba, and his brother, Sougule Zoubere, who are currently at large.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, commended the Scorpion Squad for the swift and coordinated operation. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Police through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, or the CRU line 08107314192