The Nigeria Police Force has scrapped regulations that mandated the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while in service.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aishatu Baju confirmed the development on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

She stated that discriminatory sections of the Police Act, including Section 127, had been removed under the Police Act 2020 as part of ongoing reforms.

“The Inspector General of Police has also introduced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy to ensure full inclusivity and equal opportunities for all officers,” Baju said.

The policy change follows a 2021 case in which a police corporal, Omolola Olajide, was dismissed for becoming pregnant, sparking nationwide outrage.

Although the Federal High Court upheld the regulation, the Court of Appeal overturned it in May 2024, nullifying Sections 126 and 127 of the Police Act.

With the new reforms, Baju reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to eliminating gender-based discrimination and fostering an inclusive institution.

Nigeria police abolish rule dismissing unmarried pregnant officers