The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has assured female police officers married to civilians that they have the legal right to reside in the barracks.
He said that nobody will eject them from the force residence across the country.
The IGP spoke in a press statement released by the force Public Relation Officer, CP Frank Mba, over a controversial information that the police authority had ordered female officers married to civilians to vacate police barracks before January 31, 2022.
The statement said the IGP had ordered investigations into the viral signal to ensure that disciplinary action is taken against any person(s) found wanting.
Part of the statement reads “The IGP, who is miffed with the said ‘directive’, described it as unlawful, discriminatory, obnoxious, reprehensive and totally out of tune with the concept of equality as enshrined in our constitution.
“He noted that the ‘directive’ is not in line with the Force Gender Policy which institutionalised gender mainstreaming as a core value in the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP further noted that a Police Force that has produced several top-ranking, successful female officers, including Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), State Command Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, DPOs, eminent Spokespersons, an Olympic Gold Medallist, amongst others, will never walk such a retrogressive path.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered the Force Provost Marshal to carry out immediate investigations into the viral document and assures stern disciplinary action against any person(s) found wanting.
“He calls on members of the public, particularly, female Police Officers and their families, who might have become disturbed as a result of the unconscientious directive, to ignore same as the said illegal order is null and void and of no effect whatsoever. The IGP further assures that the Force remains committed to advancing the general well-being, rights and privileges of its personnel, irrespective of rank or gender.”