Police Pledge Action Against Child Marriage

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By Atlantic Reports

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to ending child marriage and protecting girls, urging families, religious leaders and educators to work together to safeguard their rights.

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja at an event commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Logistics, DIG Kene Onwumere, Disu said protecting girls was a legal obligation as well as a moral and societal responsibility.

The event was organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).

Disu called on stakeholders to ensure girls had the opportunity to pursue their education and ambitions without being forced into marriage.

The keynote speaker, Commissioner of Police Sarah Ehindero, said people below 18 were children who deserved protection. She stressed that officers had a responsibility to handle abuse cases properly.

“Protecting the girl-child is not an act of favour. The police is not doing you a favour by protecting your rights; we are performing our statutory duties,” she said.

Ehindero identified poverty, insecurity, gender inequality, harmful cultural practices and limited access to education as factors contributing to child marriage.

She said the practice interrupted girls’ schooling, exposed them to early pregnancy and health risks, and restricted their personal and economic development.

POWA National President, Mrs Mutiat Disu, said poverty, social pressure and tradition should not be used to justify denying girls their rights.

Represented by Mrs Zainab Mohammed, she urged families to allow children to grow and develop before assuming adult responsibilities.

“Marriage is for adults, not children. Let children remain children. Let girls learn, dream, grow and discover their potentials,” she said.

She added that educating girls strengthened their ability to make informed decisions, support healthier families and contribute to society.

The National Coordinator of POCACOV, Superintendent of Police Orvenonne Ikwen, said the programme sought to renew stakeholders’ commitment to girls’ safety and development.

“If we educate a girl, we empower a family. If we protect a girl, we strengthen a community,” Ikwen said.

She encouraged girls to speak out when they faced danger or felt unsafe.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the special guest of honour, urged girls to take their education seriously and resist pressures that could undermine their future.

“You deserve to be schooled, you deserve to be safe, you deserve to be heard, and you deserve the opportunity and time to become the woman you dream of becoming,” she said.

Ajibade said the Rashida Elizabeth Foundation was collaborating with the police through POCACOV to create a safer environment where girls could receive support and protection.

The account of the event did not specify reporting channels, support arrangements for girls at risk or enforcement targets for addressing child marriage. Those practical measures will be central to turning the assurances into protection for children.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.