The most senior female police officer in Nigeria, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, has confidently stated that Nigeria will soon have a female Inspector General of Police (IGP).
In a recent televised interview, Abubakar-Baju, who is marking her 30th year in the Nigeria Police Force, spoke about her inspiring career journey, developments within the Force, and policies geared toward inclusive policing. She also revealed that the Nigeria Police will no longer dismiss unmarried female officers who become pregnant while on duty.
Abubakar-Baju, who joined the police force in 1995, is the highest-ranking female officer in the country. In response to questions about the possibility of her ascending to the position of IGP, she emphasized that the appointment of an IGP is at the discretion of the President of Nigeria.
“The position of the Inspector General of Police is at the discretion of Mr. President. It’s whosoever the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria finds worthy,” she explained.
She further added, “Only one IG can be in office at any time; there cannot be two IGs. The most important thing is that women are given opportunities to grow; women are given opportunities to develop themselves in the Nigeria Police Force.”
Abubakar-Baju expressed confidence that a woman would eventually be appointed as IGP, asserting that the issue is not about gender but rather about competence and merit. “Women are doing very well so far. It’s just a matter of time, and a woman will be appointed as IGP,” she said.
Abubakar-Baju’s statement follows the tenure of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who has introduced significant measures, especially in tackling gender-based violence against women and girls. With her extensive experience and leadership within the Force, Abubakar-Baju’s comments underscore the growing momentum toward gender inclusivity within Nigeria’s police system.
