Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has called for increased investment in girls’ education, healthcare, safety and empowerment as part of efforts to end child marriage in Nigeria.
Disu, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, made the call at an event marking the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).
He said child marriage deprived girls of their childhood, education and good health, exposing them to poverty, violence and abuse while limiting their chances of achieving their potential.
The police chief stressed the need for collective action to protect girls’ rights and ensure they had access to opportunities that would enable them to build better futures.
The President of POWA, Mutiat Disu, represented by Zainab Mohammed, wife of the DIG in charge of Training and Development, also condemned child marriage, noting that the practice deprived girls of education, endangered their health and exposed them to abuse.
Mohammed called for stronger efforts to safeguard girls and protect them from harmful practices that threaten their development and wellbeing.
The keynote speaker, Commissioner of Police Sarah Ehindero, said child marriage violated the rights of children under the age of 18.
She stressed that every girl deserved protection, education and the opportunity to make informed decisions about her future.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, Orvenonne Ikwen, reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to preventing harmful practices and building safer communities for girls.
The Inspector-General reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons through law enforcement, community engagement and strategic partnerships.
The event stressed the need for collaboration among security agencies, families, communities and other stakeholders to prevent child marriage and promote the rights and welfare of the girl child.
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