Female officers of the Nigeria Police Force have condemned what they described as targeted and malicious attacks against recently promoted female colleagues, calling the criticisms baseless and discriminatory.
In a statement signed by the Force Gender Advisor, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, the officers took issue with remarks attributed to activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates, accusing them of singling out women for criticism while leaving male officers, promoted under the same process, unchallenged.
The statement described the comments as “deeply disturbing” and “rooted in misogyny,” emphasizing that female officers play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and deserve equal respect and recognition.
“Promotions in the Nigeria Police Force are strictly merit-based, earned through years of exemplary service or exceptional performance,” the statement read. “Women who meet these standards are equally entitled to recognition and career advancement as their male colleagues.”
The officers dismissed suggestions that gender bias influenced the promotions, insisting such claims undermine the sacrifices and professionalism of women in uniform who put their lives at risk daily.
They called for an immediate retraction of the “derogatory statements” and a public apology, warning that no campaign of intimidation or misinformation would deter them from serving with integrity and commitment to national security.