Female police officers condemn attacks on newly promoted colleagues

Female officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have strongly criticised what they describe as targeted attacks on colleagues recently promoted by the Police Service Commission, following recommendations from the Inspector-General of Police (I-G).

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, AIG Aishatu Abubakar, NPF Gender Advisor to the I-G, faulted human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates for allegedly singling out female officers for criticism while ignoring male officers promoted under the same process.

“It is disturbing that these malicious statements singled out female officers, leaving their male counterparts unscathed,” she said.

“Promotions in the NPF are strictly merit-based, earned through years of service or exceptional performance.

Women who meet these standards are equally entitled to recognition as their male colleagues.”

Abubakar described suggestions that the promotions were influenced by gender bias as “unfounded and rooted in misogyny,” warning that such remarks undermine the sacrifices and professionalism of women in uniform.

She demanded an immediate retraction of the publications and a public apology to the women of the NPF, adding that no amount of intimidation would deter them from carrying out their duties with professionalism, integrity, and dedication to national security.