PCRC Honours Retired Female Police Officers

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has honoured seven retired senior female officers as part of celebrations marking 70 years of women’s service in the Nigeria Police Force.

The recognition, according to the committee, highlights the remarkable contributions of women who dedicated their careers to strengthening national security.

Those honoured for their meritorious service were: DCP Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga KBVM, JP (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).

Speaking at the PCRC’s national meeting in Abuja, the National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, said the honourees represented courage, resilience and exceptional service.

The event, attended by chairmen from the 36 states and representatives from the zonal, airport, railway and marine chapters, also reaffirmed the committee’s solidarity with the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement by the Director of Global Communications and Media Relations, Olayemi Esan, Olaniyan restated the PCRC’s commitment to supporting the IGP’s leadership and strengthening community policing nationwide.

“We chose today to demonstrate our unwavering support for IGP Kayode Egbetokun. We reaffirm our loyalty and encouragement, and we once again pass a vote of confidence in his leadership,” Olaniyan said.

One of the retired officers honoured, a 96-year-old pioneer who belonged to the very first set of 20 women to join the Force, was unable to attend the ceremony in Abuja.

In recognition of her service, the PCRC deployed a delegation to Port Harcourt to present her with her award and monetary support.

Olaniyan noted that the IGP had approved the committee’s request to select one retired female officer from each geopolitical zone for the anniversary honours.

“The IGP has always been receptive to us because he firmly believes in the value of community policing,” he added.

He explained that celebrating retired female officers formed part of a wider advocacy effort aimed at giving them better access to post-service employment opportunities.

While the PCRC had previously secured notable job placements for retired male senior officers, he said, similar opportunities for women remained limited.

Olaniyan praised the Minister of Marine Economy and former governor of Osun State for appointing a retired female Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Ige, as Chief Security Officer of the state – a position that placed her at the helm of the Amotekun security network.

“That example shows clearly that when retired female officers are empowered, they excel. As the oldest support group of the Nigeria Police, we understand their capacity and their value,” he said.

He stressed that the PCRC’s intention was not to create employment directly but to champion a nationwide campaign encouraging government agencies and private organisations to engage retired female police officers.

“We want institutions to begin to give them opportunities because they are more than capable. Today’s event marks the beginning of a renewed national advocacy,” he said.

Olaniyan concluded by urging PCRC members across the country to continue standing behind retired officers and to actively promote their inclusion in post-service roles.