The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, attended the public presentation and launch of the book, “The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria:
A statement signed by CSP Ani Iniedu Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja said the Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955–1996),” authored by Dame Stella O. Okuyiga, DCP (Rtd.), KBVM, JP, at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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Serving as Chief Launcher, the IGP described the publication as an important contribution to preserving the institutional history of the Nigeria Police Force and celebrating the courage, resilience and service of the pioneer women officers who opened the profession to generations of women. He noted that Dame Okuyiga, one of the first 20 women to join the Force in 1955, represents a generation whose dedication helped expand the role of women in policing.
The IGP stressed the importance of a Police Force that reflects and understands the diverse communities it serves, noting that women have continued to distinguish themselves across criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic leadership. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based advancement and equal professional opportunities, while preserving the legacy of pioneer officers to guide and inspire future generations.
Paying tribute to the author, the IGP recalled his earlier engagement with Dame Okuyiga while serving as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, when she expressed her desire to update and formally present the publication. He commended her for preserving the experiences and contributions of the pioneer generation of Policewomen and encouraged serving and retired officers, institutions and members of the public to support the publication and promote its availability in Police formations, training institutions and libraries.
Responding, Dame Okuyiga expressed appreciation to the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force for the support accorded her in bringing the publication to fruition. She noted that the preservation of the book in Police libraries and training institutions would ensure that the experiences and sacrifices of the pioneer women officers remain accessible to generations of personnel, expressing fulfilment that her story and legacy would endure beyond her lifetime and continue to contribute to the institutional history of the Force.
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The event was attended by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by the Director, Police Services Department, Ezekiel Audu; AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, OON, mni; Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, psc, mnips; retired DIG Ivy Uche Okoronkwo, NPM, mni; alongside retired senior Police officers, traditional rulers, representatives of sister security agencies, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association and other distinguished guests.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to preserving its institutional history, recognising the contributions of officers who laid the foundations for today’s Force, and ensuring that advancement and leadership opportunities remain open to all personnel on the basis of professionalism, competence and merit.
