Retired DCP Stella Okuyiga's memoir documents first women in Nigeria Police Force
As of September 2026, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Stella Okuyiga, now 96, has published her memoir "Origin of Policewomen in Nigeria and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955-1986)" documenting her experience as one of the first 20 women recruited into the Nigeria Police Force in October 1955. The book, published by AFRICMIL with an introduction by IGP Olatunji Disu, details her training at Police College Ikeja, her 31-year career rising to Deputy Commissioner rank, and the historical struggle for women's inclusion in Nigerian policing.
Okuyiga joined from Okrika, Rivers State at 25, pioneering a path for women in an institution where they were previously barred. Her account preserves history nearly lost during the Nigerian Civil War when she attempted to save records but lost valuable materials including a photo of the pioneer policewomen. Today, women comprise nearly 50,000 officers (about 15%) of the Nigeria Police Force serving across all units from crime investigation to peacekeeping operations.
The memoir serves as both personal testimony and institutional record, showing how women entered policing through determination despite prejudice, and how their presence strengthened the Force. IGP Disu endorsed it as a police project, noting "The journey began with 20 women in khaki skirts... continues today in every police station where Nigerian women serve with honour."
For young women considering policing or public service careers, the book offers inspiration and proof that institutions strengthen when opportunity is based on ability rather than gender. Access the book through Premium Times' WhatsApp community or Google News for quick access to this important historical record.