Assistant Inspector General Aishatu Abubakar-Baju stands as the most senior female police officer in Nigeria. In an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme, she discusses her remarkable career, the evolving landscape of the Nigerian police force, and policies aimed at fostering inclusive policing.
“Thank you for having me. There’s so much to celebrate this year. Before diving into my personal journey, I’d like to share an important milestone: this year marks 70 years of women in policing in Nigeria. The first female officers were inducted into the Nigeria Police Force in April 1955. This is a moment of celebration for all of us.”
Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, who hails from the tranquil city of Biu in Borno State, grew up in Adamawa State under the care of her maternal grandmother. Despite lacking formal education, her grandmother, a matron at a secondary school, instilled in Aishatu a deep passion for education.
This foundation shaped her journey as she pursued her studies through primary and secondary school, eventually earning a spot at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she studied Veterinary Medicine. She graduated in 1995 and completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Coincidentally, during her NYSC year, Aishatu had the opportunity to serve with the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja—a moment that would shape her future. It was there that she found her passion for the job, which led her to enlist in the police force immediately after her service.
I joined as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the Police College in Ikeja. With my love for learning, I found that the police force offered numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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Her educational pursuits didn’t stop with her initial training. Aishatu was later awarded a UNESCO L’Oreal Fellowship for Young Women in Science, one of only 14 women globally to receive the prestigious recognition. This fellowship allowed her to pursue a PhD at the University of Plymouth in the UK. She has also completed a Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies.
Throughout her career, Aishatu has continued to build her expertise through various courses, including training at the Nigerian Police Staff College in Jos. She is grateful for the police force’s role in her personal development.
“I’m happily married with three children. Balancing work, family, and a career in policing has been a fulfilling journey.”
As Aishatu marks her 30th year in the Nigeria Police Force, she reflects on her career and the progress of women in policing.
“The position of Inspector General of Police is at the discretion of the President. Whoever the President deems worthy of the role is appointed. Gender isn’t a barrier to rising in the police force.
Women have tremendous potential, and I’ve had the privilege of advancing in my career with the support of the police force. It’s about capability, not gender. I believe it’s only a matter of time before we see more women in senior leadership positions.
Aishatu, who holds a DVM degree, a Master’s, and a PhD, stresses that women have the opportunity to grow and excel in the police force, thanks to increasing focus on gender equality.
Reflecting on her unexpected career choice, Aishatu shares how she never envisioned herself becoming a police officer.
“It wasn’t part of my career plan. In fact, growing up, I was afraid of the police. If I misbehaved at home, my grandmother would threaten to call the police, and I would hide under the bed. So, my decision to join the force was a shock to my family.”
But during her NYSC year, Aishatu’s view of the police force changed dramatically. After working alongside police officers, she found her calling.
“I truly fell in love with the job. If I could come back to this world, I’d choose to be a police officer again. It’s been such a fulfilling career for me.”
When asked about the safety and opportunities for women in the police force, Aishatu emphasizes that gender equality is central to the current leadership’s approach to policing.
“The primary responsibility of the police is to protect Nigerians, regardless of gender. The current Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, is committed to inclusive and gender-sensitive policing. He has made it a priority to ensure that women and girls are protected, and that female officers have equal opportunities for growth within the force.”
In line with global best practices, the Nigerian police have adopted policies that emphasize gender equality and responsiveness. For instance, gender-sensitive desks have been set up in all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, to address issues of gender-based violence.
“The IGP has made it clear that there should be equal opportunities for both male and female officers in all areas of policing. We have female officers now serving in operational roles, breaking away from past discriminatory practices where women were assigned to only certain tasks like traffic control.”
One key area of reform has been the removal of outdated regulations that once discriminated against women.
“The Police Act of 2020 abolished discriminatory provisions, including Section 127, which required unmarried female officers who became pregnant to be dismissed. These discriminatory clauses have been expunged, and the Nigerian police force has moved toward becoming an institution that truly offers equal opportunities for both men and women.
Aishatu’s journey underscores not only her personal resilience but also the evolving nature of the police force in Nigeria—a force that continues to adapt to the demands of a modern, gender-inclusive society.
With her remarkable achievements and dedication, Aishatu Abubakar-Baju exemplifies the potential of women in leadership within the police force, inspiring future generations to break boundaries and pursue careers without the constraints of gender.