The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for the preservation of the history and contributions of pioneer female officers in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), describing their experiences as an important legacy for current and future generations.
Disu made the call on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while serving as the chief launcher at the public presentation of a book 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), authored by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella O. Okuyiga.
The event took place at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The IGP said the publication would help preserve the institutional history of the Nigeria Police Force while documenting the courage, resilience and service of the women who paved the way for subsequent generations of female officers.
He noted that Okuyiga was among the first 20 women to join the Force in 1955, describing her as a member of a pioneering generation whose dedication helped expand the role of women in policing.
Disu stressed that a police force should reflect and understand the diverse communities it serves, noting that women have continued to distinguish themselves in criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic leadership.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based career advancement and equal professional opportunities, adding that preserving the experiences of pioneering officers would help inspire future generations.
Paying tribute to the author, the police chief recalled engaging with Okuyiga during his earlier tenure as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, when she expressed her desire to update and formally present the book.
He commended her for documenting the experiences and contributions of the pioneering female officers and urged serving and retired police personnel, institutions and members of the public to support the publication.
Disu also encouraged efforts to make the book available in police formations, training institutions and libraries to ensure that its historical account reaches a wider audience within the Force.
In her response, Okuyiga expressed appreciation to the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force for their support in bringing the publication to fruition.
She said preserving the book in police libraries and training institutions would ensure that the experiences and sacrifices of the pioneer women officers remained accessible to future generations of personnel.
The retired police officer expressed fulfilment that her story and legacy would endure beyond her lifetime and continue to contribute to the institutional history of the Force.
The event was attended by the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, 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 serving and retired senior police officers.
Also present were AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju; Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ivy Uche Okoronkwo; traditional rulers, representatives of sister security agencies, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association and other distinguished guests.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to preserving its institutional history, recognising officers whose contributions helped shape the organisation, and ensuring that professional advancement and leadership opportunities remain open to personnel on the basis of competence, professionalism and merit.
