Kaduna Police Celebrate 70 Years of Women Officers with Anti-SGBV March

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command celebrated 70 years of women in the Nigerian Police Force with a march against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The march began at the command’s headquarters and concluded at Stadium Roundabout.

During the event, CSP Jummai Amawo, the Officer-in-Charge of the Monitoring Unit, emphasized the invaluable contributions of female officers to policing, community engagement, and national development. She remarked, “Women have continued to play an essential role in these areas,” highlighting that the anniversary underscores the strength that female officers bring to the force.

CSP Amawo explained that the sensitization activities aim to “boost trust and confidence between the police and local communities.” She added that such programs enhance police-public relations and support community health. She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups. She stated that the anti-SGBV march demonstrates “the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to safeguard vulnerable groups” while also promoting gender inclusion and resident safety under CP Muhammad Rabiu’s leadership.

She praised Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., AIG Ashiatu Baju, and Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu for their continual support and encouragement of female police officers. CSP Amawo urged other women to consider a career in policing, citing the 20 pioneering women recruited in 1955 who set a standard for excellence.

Notably, women were formally integrated into the Nigerian Force in 1955, initially forming a small unit tasked primarily with handling cases involving women and children. Over the decades, their roles have evolved from support and administrative duties to frontline policing, investigations, leadership, and specialized units. Despite challenges such as gender bias, limited career progression opportunities, and cultural barriers, female officers have advanced through the ranks, occupying key command positions and making significant contributions to community policing, intelligence operations, and social protection initiatives.

Their increasing involvement has been crucial to national campaigns against SGBV, child protection, and public health awareness—areas where women officers often act as trusted intermediaries between the police and communities. In recent years, the Nigerian Police Force has intensified efforts to improve gender inclusion, support the welfare of female officers, and promote community-based policing strategies.

Thus, the 70th anniversary marks a significant milestone, reflecting both the historical journey of women in the force and ongoing efforts to enhance their visibility and impact in national security.