The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced plans to celebrate 70 years of women in policing, a landmark event commemorating seven decades of courage, resilience, and service since the enlistment of the first set of policewomen in 1955.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the two-day celebration will hold from December 3 to 4, 2025, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. The event will bring together serving and retired female officers to honour the remarkable contributions of women to the growth and professional development of the Force.

IGP Egbetokun commended female officers for their invaluable service and enduring impact on law enforcement in Nigeria, noting that their compassion, discipline, and dedication have been instrumental to the operational efficiency and public image of the Force.

Over the past seven decades, policewomen in Nigeria have excelled in various capacities, from administration and investigations to tactical operations and command leadership, redefining policing through integrity, empathy, and professionalism.

Activities lined up for the anniversary include a national lecture, a historical exhibition, interactive panel sessions, and an outreach programme, all aimed at celebrating the achievements of women in policing and promoting inclusivity within the Force.

The statement reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to advancing gender equality, professionalism, and continuous capacity development for women officers.

“The Nigeria Police Force extends heartfelt appreciation to all female officers, past and present, whose courage and professionalism remain a source of pride and inspiration to the institution and the nation,” the statement added.

The South West Youth Alliance has cautioned the African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his supporters against mobilising or staging any form of protest in Lagos State over the recent demolition of illegal structures in Oworonshoki.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Adenika Ajanlekoko, the group commended the Lagos State Police Command for its timely warning to Sowore and his followers, stressing that any attempt to disrupt public peace under the guise of protest would be met with the full weight of the law.

The Alliance warned that the Third Mainland Bridge, being a critical national infrastructure, must not be tampered with, noting that any attempt to block it would not only endanger lives but also cripple economic activities within the state and beyond.

It recalled that demolition exercises have been ongoing in Oworonshoki since 2023, with another phase carried out in September 2025. The Lagos State Government, the group noted, has consistently justified the exercise as part of efforts to ensure proper urban planning and compliance with environmental laws.

According to the statement, the latest demolition phase was aimed at curbing flooding and addressing environmental degradation along the riverbank, as well as flushing out criminal elements who had allegedly used the area as a base to attack commuters on the Third Mainland Bridge. 

“Apparently, the decision of the Lagos State Government was inspired by both environmental and security considerations, and we must all commend such proactive governance,” the group stated.

The South West Youth Alliance also cited relevant provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that while citizens have the right to acquire property, the government equally has the power to revoke such ownership in the overriding public interest or for reasons of public safety.

The group further commended the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) for compensating affected property owners, describing the recent payment exercises as proof of the government’s commitment to fairness and due process.

It also lauded the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, for maintaining peace and order in Lagos through professional handling of protests since assuming office.

Recalling the destruction and loss of lives during the #EndSARS protests, the Alliance urged Sowore to avoid plunging the state into another round of unrest.

“Lagos cannot afford another protest that threatens lives, property, and public infrastructure. We therefore call on Mr Sowore to shelve his plans and channel his energy into constructive dialogue rather than incitement,” the statement concluded.

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya.

According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, ASP Mohammed Halima, the visit, which took place at the Zonal Headquarters in Abuja, was aimed at strengthening operational collaboration and fostering closer professional ties between the FCT Command and the Zone 7 Headquarters.

During the meeting, both senior officers deliberated on critical security matters affecting the Zone, with emphasis on enhancing intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and community policing initiatives.

AIG Olaiya commended CP Dantawaye for his dedication and proactive efforts in maintaining peace and security within the FCT. He assured the Zonal Headquarters’ continued support and guidance in line with the vision and strategic policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.

The visit was described as fruitful, further cementing the collaborative framework for improved security across the Federal Capital Territory and the Zone.

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, has undertaken an operational tour of Bwari, Garam, and other border communities linking the FCT with Kaduna and Niger States, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and enhance police visibility in vulnerable areas.

According to a press release signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the visit, which took place on Tuesday, 29th October 2025, was aimed at boosting operational efficiency, assessing the effectiveness of existing deployments, and ensuring the safety of residents in these strategic border communities.

CP Dantawaye, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and heads of tactical units, inspected several police formations and checkpoints, including the Nigerian Law School in Bwari and adjoining areas prone to cross-border movement. The exercise forms part of the Command’s strategy to deter crime and ensure rapid response to emerging security threats.

As part of the visit, the Police Commissioner paid courtesy calls on the Emir of Bwari and the Etsu Bwaya, where he emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions in maintaining peace. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and share credible information with the Police to aid proactive policing.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, CP Dantawaye assured residents that the FCT Police Command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and strategic deployments across the Territory.

Residents are advised to report suspicious movements or persons via the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or PCB: 09022222352.

The Commissioners of Police for Benue and Enugu States, CP Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent and CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa have reaffirmed their commitment to closer inter-command collaboration in combating cross-border criminal activities.

At a strategic operational meeting held on October 29, 2025, in Benue State, the two Police Chiefs reviewed the security situation along their shared boundaries and identified the infiltration of criminal elements, aided by collaborators within border communities, as a key challenge to regional safety.

To address the problem, both Commands resolved to strengthen intelligence sharing, conduct coordinated operations, and jointly deploy resources to combat violent crimes and other security threats within the border areas.

The renewed partnership will particularly focus on Ado, Ogbadibo, and Okpokwu Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, and Igbo-Eze North, Isi-Uzo, and Udenu LGAs in Enugu State. The meeting, which was attended by senior operational officers from both Commands, is expected to become a regular forum for reviewing progress and sustaining joint efforts.

It will be recalled that the two Commands recently collaborated to arrest suspects operating across both States, successfully rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering stolen vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and other robbed items.

The joint statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officers of both Commands — SP Daniel Ndukwe (Enugu State Command) and DSP Edet Udeme (Benue State Command).

….. Rewards 220 officers, commends personnel for raising drug war momentum under President Tinubu

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been commended for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a press release on Wednesday 29th October 2025, signed NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the commendation was given by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) on Wednesday 29th October 2025 when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

In his remark at the event, Marwa said “Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.

“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs; and conviction of 9,263 offenders; with 26,613 drug users counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, work places, markets, motor parks, worship centres and communities among others within the same period.”

While noting that he has upheld the tradition of hosting the commendation and awards ceremony in the last four and a half years to appreciate and encourage officers, men and women who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty, he said the challenge of the drug scourge still remains monumental and as such there’s need for more work to be done.

“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency.

“But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories, are no doubt the direct result of your dedication.”

He said the reward system he established is to maintain the momentum and keep the workforce in optimal condition—both materially and mentally, while ensuring high morale. “This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience. In addition to the traditional incentives such as promotions, training, and others (which we continue to work towards), we introduced this reward system: the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations. This has become one of the primary ways management expresses appreciation for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.
“If anything, our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce. However, let us not forget that each gathering to celebrate and honour our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this noble agency that there is still much work to be done.

“For decades, we lagged behind, constrained by a lack of resources and limited capacity. Now that we are gaining momentum with increased capacity, we must work to roll back the influence and dismantle the structures put in place by drug cartels, using the full force of the law. In carrying out your duties, it is essential to operate within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your protection”, he charged.

He expressed appreciation to local and international partners for believing in the Agency and supporting its efforts. “I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership in supporting our efforts. I would also like to express our gratitude to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions.

“At home, we owe a great deal of thanks to the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, who, particularly over the past years, have been immensely supportive and crucial to the growth of the NDLEA as an institution. “Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation as well as the Judiciary as an arm of Government. We must also express our deepest thanks to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received from these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country. Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for continuing to be one of our strongest partners”, he added