By Our Reporter
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) on Thursday celebrated seven retired senior female police officers with Special Recognition Awards as Nigeria marks 70 years of women’s service in the Police Force.
The event, held in Abuja, turned emotional as the committee spotlighted the sacrifices of women who broke barriers in policing—some serving at a time when female officers were barely accepted in uniform.
PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, said the honour was long overdue, describing the awardees as “trailblazers whose courage shaped modern policing in Nigeria”.
He reaffirmed the committee’s loyalty to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, saying all state, zonal, airport, railway and marine chapters gathered in Abuja to demonstrate unity and confidence in his leadership.
“We chose today to show our unwavering support for the IGP. We reaffirm our loyalty and pass a vote of confidence in him again,” he said.
One of the most touching moments came with the recognition of a 96-year-old retired officer—one of the original 20 women who first joined the force 70 years ago. Though unable to travel to Abuja, a PCRC delegation was dispatched to Port Harcourt to present her plaque and monetary support.
Olaniyan said the gesture was part of a broader push to ensure that retired female officers get the same second-chance employment opportunities that many retired male officers have enjoyed.
“If we empower retired female officers, they can do even better than men. We have seen examples. We know their capacity,” he said, citing the appointment of retired Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ige, as Chief Security Officer in Osun State as proof of what women can deliver when given leadership roles.
He said the PCRC was leading a national advocacy to encourage public and private organisations to absorb retired policewomen into roles where their training and discipline would be assets.
“Today’s ceremony is only the beginning,” he added. “We want government agencies and organisations to start opening their doors to these women who served the nation.”
Olaniyan urged PCRC members across the country to sustain support for retired officers and champion their inclusion in post-service opportunities.
The honourees were DCP Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga (Rtd), SP Aisha Shaibu (Rtd), SP Phoebe Vincent Niyel (Rtd), DSP Patu Daniel (Rtd), DSP Mariam Daniel (Rtd), DSP Scholastica Ovie (Rtd) and DSP Aina Usman (Rtd).