Female officers of the Nigeria Police Force have expressed outrage over what they described as “unwarranted and malicious attacks” on some of their colleagues recently elevated by the Police Service Commission (PSC) on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police.
In a strongly worded statement in Abuja Aishatu Baju, the Force Gender Advisor, the women officers said they were “deeply shocked” by recent public comments, particularly those allegedly made by Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, which they claimed unfairly singled out female officers for criticism while ignoring their male counterparts who were promoted under the same process and criteria.
The statement stressed that women in the police force play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, and as dedicated public servants, as well as mothers, sisters, and wives, they deserve respect and dignity.
According to the officers, promotions in the force are based strictly on merit, whether earned through years of exemplary service or outstanding performance, and women who meet these standards are equally entitled to career advancement.
They described insinuations that the recent promotions were unmerited or influenced by gender bias as “baseless” and “a reflection of deep-seated misogyny.”
Such remarks, they argued, not only diminish the professionalism of women in uniform but also undermine the sacrifices they make daily, often at great personal risk, in the service of national security.
The officers called for the immediate retraction of the “derogatory” statements and a formal public apology to all women serving in the Nigeria Police Force.
They vowed that no amount of “intimidation or smear campaigns” would deter them from performing their duties with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to protecting lives and property.