Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, the highest-ranking female police officer in Nigeria, believes the country will soon have a female Inspector General of Police (IGP).

In an interview on Channels Television, Abubakar-Baju, who serves as an Assistant Inspector General (AIG), shared her journey in the police force, ongoing reforms, and efforts to promote gender equality in policing.

She emphasized that the appointment of the IGP is solely the decision of the President of Nigeria. However, she is confident that women are making significant progress in the force.

Abubakar-Baju, who has been in the force since 1995, highlighted that women have been given more opportunities to grow and develop in recent years. She believes that it is only a matter of time before a woman is appointed as the head of the Nigeria Police.

“There can only be one Inspector General of Police at a time, and the President will choose whoever he finds worthy,” she explained. “It has nothing to do with gender. Women are doing very well, and I believe we will see a female IGP soon.

Abubakar-Baju also confirmed that the Nigeria Police will no longer dismiss unmarried female officers who become pregnant while in service. This change is part of broader reforms to support gender inclusivity in the force.

The current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has introduced policies to address gender-based violence and protect the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.

With more women taking leadership roles in law enforcement, it may not be long before Nigeria appoints its first female Inspector General of Police.