By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed the Nigerian Police Force’s first ever female Force Secretary, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Yetunde O. Longe.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, ascribed the historic move to the furtherance of the vision to ensure gender inclusivity and equality in all aspects of appointments and operations within the Nigeria Police Force.
the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has made an historic appointment
The statement said that since her appointment as a Cadet ASP on March 3, 1990, AIG Longe has demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence across various capacities within the NPF.
The new Force Secretary holds a Bachelors Degree in Forensic Toxicology, which has significantly contributed to her proficiency in crime management and investigation.
“Her professional development is further enriched by her participation in advanced courses such as the Advanced Detective Course and Intermediate Command Course at Police Staff College Jos, and the Protection of Civilians course in Italy”, the statement said further.
Throughout her illustrious career, AIG Longe has held several key positions including Administrative Officer, Crime Officer, Commandant in Lagos, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Corporate Investment at the NPF Cooperative; Area Commander in Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both Bauchi and Lagos States, and DCP Admin at Zone 2, Lagos.
Until her new appointment, she was Commissioner of Police for the Port Authority Police, Eastern Command, Port Harcourt, and later Assistant Inspector General of Police in the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP reiterated that gender sensitivity in police appointments and operations remains a non-negotiable principle as his administration is poised to promoting gender equality and empowering female officers to attain leadership positions within the Force.
While emphasizing that the inclusion of women in strategic roles is crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the Police Force, IGP Egbetokun assured that the Force will continue to “foster an inclusive environment where merit and capability are the primary criteria for advancement, irrespective of gender”.
