Female officers in Enugu ‘compelled’ to pay N5,000–N10,000 for police anniversary

Tension is rising within the Enugu State Police Command following allegations that female officers are being coerced to pay between N5,000 and N10,000 for the 70th Anniversary Celebration of Nigerian Women Police, scheduled for December 4.

An internal message circulated via WhatsApp by senior female officers directed personnel across divisions and formations to contribute specific amounts for branded T-shirts and entertainment.

According to the memo, senior female officers are to pay at least N10,000, while Inspectors, Rank and File officers must contribute N5,000.

Payments were to be submitted to a personal account belonging to one Theresa Eneh Chioma (First Bank, 3030601038), with evidence of payment required by November 20 for “proper accountability.”

Though the notice described the levy as voluntary, several officers told SaharaReporters it is being enforced using threats.

Those who refuse to pay are allegedly warned they will be transferred to remote areas such as Uzo-Uwani as a form of punishment.

“Anyone who doesn’t pay will be posted to interior villages.

“They told us outright that refusal means you are not supporting the celebration,” one officer said.

Another female officer expressed concern for junior personnel already struggling financially.

“This is not voluntary. They have weaponised transfer,” she said.

The directive’s use of a personal bank account rather than an official police account has also sparked questions about transparency and the legality of demanding contributions within a government security agency.

Some officers noted that no official signal from Force Headquarters has authorised such collections.

As of press time, the Enugu Police Command had not issued a statement on the alleged coercion or threats of disciplinary postings.

Attempts to reach the state police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful.

The development has generated widespread discontent among female officers, many of whom describe the levy as exploitative amid harsh economic conditions.

A female sergeant captured the general mood: “We are proud to serve, but forcing us to pay for a celebration and threatening us if we don’t—that is oppression.”