Report shows Female representation growing in Police Force

A senior gender adviser has disclosed that women now represent approximately 12 percent of the entire Nigerian Police Force, a figure that policymakers say marks progress but still falls short of gender-parity goals.
Speaking at a security-sector gender forum, the adviser highlighted recent recruitment drives and targeted gender-mainstreaming initiatives within training institutions as contributing factors. Still, she warned that retention, promotion, and the inclusion of women in operational and leadership roles remain persistent challenges that require sustained policy attention.
Officials said the government is pursuing measures to increase female representation at all levels of policing, including accelerated leadership training, family-friendly personnel policies, and reforms to ensure a harassment-free workplace. Civil society groups welcomed the progress but urged quicker implementation of affirmative measures to reach minimum international benchmarks.