The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially abolished its policy mandating the dismissal of unmarried female officers who become pregnant while in service.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Baju, the highest-ranking female officer in the force, confirmed that Section 127 of the Police Act, which enforced this discriminatory rule, has been expunged as part of ongoing institutional reforms.
Baju emphasized that the reform aligns with the Police Act 2020, ensuring that no female officer faces termination based on marital or pregnancy status. She further highlighted the introduction of the Nigeria Police Gender Policy, aimed at promoting gender inclusivity and equal opportunities within the force.
The move is being hailed as a progressive step toward eliminating gender-based discrimination in Nigeria’s security institutions.
She also reassured the public that Nigeria Police Force is committed to eliminating gender-based discrimination and fostering a more inclusive institution for all personnel.
Recall that the section of the Police Act caused an outrage among citizens after corporal Omolola Olajide was dismissed for getting pregnant while service in Ekiti command.
Following her dismissal, the Nigerian Bar Association filed a suit in court challenging the viability of such a law in present-day policing.
However, the court upheld Olajide’s dismissal, ruling that the officer was aware of that section of the Act before joining the Force.