Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chinelo Ekejiani, has called for the appointment of the first female Inspector-General of Police (IGP), saying women have proved their competence and dedication in the force.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Ekejiani, who served 32 years in the Nigeria Police Force, said it was long overdue for a woman to occupy the top position after 70 years of the police service’s existence.

“It’s time for Nigeria to have a female IG,” she said. “We are not happy about it. Seventy good years, and we’ve never had a woman Inspector-General. They think the job is too much for a woman to cope with, but if you can serve as an AIG, a CP, or an Area Commander, then you can be IG. The men are there to support you — so why not give us a chance?”

Recalling her early years in the force, Ekejiani said she joined the police “as an adventure” after studying in England.

“I joined the police as a cadet ASP after returning from England, where I studied Policies and International Relations. What really made them take me was my height,” she said with a smile. “I enjoyed the police because it gave me the opportunity to travel to other states, learn their cultures and work closely with communities.”

She described her 32-year career as fulfilling, explaining that her service opened doors for women and inspired many to see the police as a respected career path.

“When women first joined the force in 1955, they were seen as dropouts,” she recalled. “But things have changed. The Police Act 2020 has repealed many discriminatory rules — in those days, you couldn’t join if you were married. That’s gone now. I joined married but used my maiden name.”

Ekejiani said she had the privilege of working alongside trailblazers such as Mrs. Ivy Uche Okoronkwo, the first female Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, and BC Kolawole, the first female Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

“Women joined the Mobile Police Force in 2004,” she added. “We proved that when a woman is devoted and determined, she delivers excellently. I was the first female Area Commander in Delta State — and until today, they haven’t had another woman in that position.”

The retired officer said women in the force face unique challenges, particularly postings and transfers that disrupt family life.

“The only major challenge we face is with transfers,” she said. “For example, when my baby was six months old, I was transferred to Zamfara State. Married women should be given some consideration because such postings can separate them from their families. You can’t always travel with a baby, and house helps nowadays are not reliable.”

She noted that despite the difficulties, being a police officer offers protection, respect, and an opportunity to serve society.

“When you lose your husband or face hostility, the police give you protection,” she said. “Your children have access to police schools and you’re treated with dignity. You’re not just any woman — you’re an officer. I’m proud of that.”

Ekejiani also emphasized the important role of women officers in handling sensitive cases, especially those involving families and vulnerable victims.

“There are cases only women can manage,” she explained. “For example, in a chieftaincy dispute in Delta State, we helped resolve the crisis through empathy and prayer. Women bring understanding, communication and peace to policing.”

Calling on young women to consider a career in law enforcement, she said the police offer exposure, responsibility, and the chance to impact lives.

“You meet people, you change lives, you help fight issues like human trafficking,” she said. “Money is not everything — it’s about service. Women should see the police as a platform to serve and protect.”

Ekejiani concluded by reaffirming her belief that the time had come for Nigeria to recognize women’s leadership potential at the highest level of policing.

“If women can command divisions, manage commands and head strategic units, then surely we can lead the entire force,” she said. “Nigeria is ready for its first female Inspector-General of Police.” (AriseNews TV, but headline rejigged)