IGP Disu honours pioneer policewomen, as 96 year-old ex-officer launches book on women in policing
By Mercy Ajekigbe
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to gender equality and the advancement of merit-based professional opportunities for all personnel, regardless of gender.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
This follows 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, 2026.
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), the book documents the experiences, resilience and contributions of the pioneer women officers who helped shape the history of women in Nigerian policing.
Speaking as the chief launcher at the event held at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Disu described the publication as a significant contribution to preserving the institutional history of the Nigeria Police Force and recognising the pioneering efforts of women who helped pave the way for future generations.
He commended the resilience, courage and dedication of the early women officers, noting that their contributions expanded opportunities for women in the profession.
The IGP described Dame Okuyiga, who was among the first 20 women to join the Force in 1955, as a representative of a generation whose commitment and service helped broaden the role of women in law enforcement.
Disu emphasised the importance of building a police force that reflects and understands the diverse communities it serves. He noted that women officers have continued to distinguish themselves in various areas, including criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic leadership.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring that recruitment and leadership opportunities are based on professionalism, competence and merit.
In his address, the IGP also recalled his earlier engagement with Dame Okuyiga while serving as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, during which she expressed her desire to update the publication and formally present it to the public.
He urged serving and retired officers, institutions and members of the public to support the book and promote its availability in police formations, training institutions and libraries across the country.
In her remarks, Dame Okuyiga expressed appreciation to the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force for their support in bringing the publication to fruition.
She stressed that making the book available in police libraries and training institutions would ensure that the experiences, sacrifices and achievements of the pioneer women officers remain accessible to present and future generations of police personnel.
Okuyiga also expressed fulfillment that her story and legacy would endure beyond her lifetime, contributing to the preservation of the Force’s institutional history.
The event was attended by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by the Director of the Police Services Department, Ezekiel Audu; and other senior serving and retired police officers.
Also in attendance were Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aishatu Abubakar Baju; the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ivy Okoronkwo; traditional rulers; representatives of sister security agencies; and members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to preserving its institutional heritage, recognising the contributions of officers who laid the foundation for the modern Force, and ensuring that opportunities for career advancement and leadership remain accessible to all personnel on the basis of professionalism, competence and merit.
