The inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has revealed that the appointment of AIG Yetunde Longe as Force Secretary (FORSEC) is a designation geared towards achieving gender equality in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
IGP Egbetokun had earlier announced the appointment of AIG Longe as FORSEC last week, alongside AIG Idowu Owohunwa as the Head of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
Longe’s recent appointment makes her the first female to assume the position in the history of NPF.
According to a statement issued by the Police Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Wednesday, June 5, the IGP noted that AIG Longe has always shown commitment on duty since she joined the Force in 1990.
“In 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 of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Yetunde O. Longe as the first female Force Secretary.
“AIG Longe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. Since her appointment as a Cadet ASP on March 3, 1990, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence across various capacities within the NPF.
“She 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 reads in part.
IGP Egbetokun disclosed that Longe has held different key positions since she joined the Force, which include 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.
She has also served as the 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.
He emphasised that the inclusion of women in strategic roles is crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the Police Force.
He also vowed that the Force will continue to foster an inclusive environment where merit and capability are the primary criteria for advancement, irrespective of gender.
