NPF Female Officers Demand Apology Over ‘Misogynistic’ Promotion Criticism

Female officers of the Nigeria Police Force have condemned what they describe as “unwarranted and malicious” attacks on colleagues recently elevated by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The officers, in a statement signed by AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, Force Gender Advisor to the Inspector-General of Police, expressed “deep shock and strong disappointment” over remarks targeting women who benefitted from the latest promotion exercise.

They alleged that the criticisms, led by political activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates, deliberately singled out female officers while ignoring male counterparts promoted under “the same process and criteria.”

“It is particularly disturbing that these malicious statements… singled out female officers for criticism, while their male counterparts… were left unscathed,” the statement read.

The female officers stressed that promotions in the police are earned strictly on merit — through years of service or exceptional performance — and that women who meet these standards deserve the same recognition as men.

“The insinuation that female officers’ promotions are unmerited or based on gender bias is not only unfounded but also reflects deep-seated misogyny,” the statement said, adding that such claims undermine the sacrifices and professionalism of women in uniform.

They called for “the immediate retraction of these derogatory statements” and a formal public apology to the women of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We reaffirm that no amount of intimidation or smear campaigns will deter us from discharging our duties with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to national security,” the statement concluded.