INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026:MEET SENIOR FEMALE COMMANDERS/OFFICERS RESHAPING POLICING IN LAGOS
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, the spotlight turns to women who are breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and transforming institutions traditionally dominated by men. In the Lagos State Police Command, a number of exceptional female Area Commanders are quietly but decisively rewriting the narrative of policing through courage, professionalism, intelligence, and community-centered leadership.
Across major divisions of Lagos, these officers are not only maintaining law and order but also strengthening public confidence in policing. Their command posts have become hubs of proactive crime prevention, improved police-community relations, and strategic security coordination.
From Ajah to Apapa, Ogba to Idimu and Ogudu, these remarkable women are demonstrating that leadership in law enforcement is defined not by gender but by competence, vision, and dedication to duty.
While the female Area Commanders represent the frontline of operational leadership in the Lagos State Police Command, their successes are strengthened by several accomplished senior female officers who provide critical administrative, medical, and gender-focused support.
Prominent among them is ACP Mary Ayim, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration. Highly respected for her professionalism and organizational expertise, ACP Ayim oversees key administrative functions that keep the command running efficiently. From personnel management and postings to internal coordination and staff welfare, her office serves as the backbone of operational effectiveness. Colleagues describe her as disciplined, meticulous, and deeply committed to maintaining high standards within the force. Her leadership has also made her a role model for many younger officers, especially women aspiring to leadership in policing.
Equally vital is ACP Bose Salami, who leads the Medical Department of the command. She plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of officers, ensuring medical readiness and providing essential healthcare support to personnel operating in demanding environments.
Also making significant impact is ACP Toyin Kazeem, who drives important initiatives within the Gender Unit, promoting gender-sensitive policing and strengthening support systems for victims of gender-based violence across Lagos.
Beyond the senior command structure, more than twenty female Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across Lagos are also contributing significantly to policing at the grassroots level. These women oversee divisional operations, lead crime prevention initiatives, and maintain vital connections between the police and the communities they serve.
Together, these officers represent a powerful and evolving narrative within the Nigeria Police Force—one where women are not merely participating but actively shaping the future of policing in Nigeria.
ACP Yemisi Ojo – Area J, Ajah
At Area J Command in Ajah, ACP Yemisi Ojo has emerged as a formidable force in maintaining security across one of the fastest-growing corridors in Lagos.
Ajah and its surrounding communities have witnessed rapid urban expansion in recent years, bringing with it complex security challenges ranging from traffic-related crimes to organized criminal activities. Under ACP Ojo’s leadership, the command has adopted proactive policing strategies that emphasize intelligence gathering, coordinated patrols, and community engagement.
Her approach has strengthened collaboration between the police and residents’ associations, estate managers, and local security stakeholders. Regular security meetings and sensitization programs have helped build trust and encouraged residents to share vital information with the police.
Colleagues describe ACP Ojo as a disciplined and strategic officer whose leadership style balances firmness with empathy. Officers under her command say she insists on professionalism, respect for human rights, and swift response to distress calls.
Since assuming leadership at Area J, her command has recorded notable successes in crime prevention, rapid response operations, and maintaining calm within the Ajah axis—one of Lagos’ busiest residential and commercial hubs.
ACP Shola Omilade – Area H, Ogudu
At Area H Command in Ogudu, ACP Shola Omilade has established herself as a respected law enforcement leader known for decisive operational leadership and strong administrative control.
Ogudu, which connects major parts of Lagos such as Kosofe and parts of the mainland business districts, requires a policing strategy that blends visibility with intelligence-led operations.
ACP Omilade has strengthened patrol structures, enhanced monitoring of flashpoints, and ensured improved coordination between divisional police officers and tactical teams within the command.
One of her most commendable achievements has been the promotion of internal discipline and efficiency within the command. Officers under her leadership are encouraged to maintain professionalism and demonstrate responsiveness to public complaints.
Her leadership has also placed emphasis on youth engagement and crime prevention awareness programs, recognizing that long-term security must involve community participation.
Residents within the Ogudu axis have increasingly acknowledged the improved police presence and responsiveness under her watch, further solidifying the trust between the police and the public.
ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa – Area G, Ogba
In Area G Command, Ogba, ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa commands with a reputation for firmness, intelligence, and exceptional investigative capacity.
Ogba, an important commercial and residential zone in Lagos, presents unique security challenges, including organized criminal activity and urban crime patterns. ACP Ameh-Akpa has responded by strengthening intelligence networks and improving coordination among police divisions within the command.
Her leadership style combines operational alertness with administrative efficiency. Under her watch, officers are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance while ensuring that policing remains citizen-focused.
She has also prioritized improved synergy between the police and local stakeholders, including market associations, transport unions, and community leaders. These partnerships have become vital tools for information gathering and crime prevention.
Those familiar with her career say ACP Ameh-Akpa brings years of investigative experience into her command responsibilities, enabling her to quickly analyze complex security situations and deploy appropriate responses.
Her presence at Area G has reinforced the command’s reputation as one of the most effective policing hubs within the Lagos State Police Command.
ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda – Area M, Idimu
At Area M Command in Idimu, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda has proven that strong leadership and strategic policing can significantly improve security within densely populated communities.
Idimu and its surrounding areas are known for their vibrant commercial activity and large population. These dynamics require a policing approach that is both proactive and adaptable.
ACP Abaniwonda has emphasized visible policing through enhanced patrol operations, community policing initiatives, and effective coordination with divisional officers.
Under her leadership, the command has focused on tackling criminal activities such as robbery, street crimes, and disturbances that threaten public safety. Her ability to coordinate tactical responses and maintain operational discipline has strengthened the command’s effectiveness.
Beyond crime fighting, ACP Abaniwonda is also known for her commitment to improving police-community relations. She regularly engages with local leaders, youth groups, and residents to address security concerns and encourage collective responsibility for safety.
Her leadership has contributed to increased public confidence in policing within the Idimu axis.
ACP Onyinye K. Onwamaegbu – Area B, Apapa
In Area B Command, Apapa, ACP Onyinye K. Onwamaegbu oversees one of Lagos’ most strategically important policing jurisdictions.
Apapa serves as the heart of Nigeria’s maritime economy, housing major ports, shipping operations, and industrial facilities. The security of this axis is critical not only for Lagos State but for the nation’s economic stability.
ACP Onwamaegbu’s leadership focuses on maintaining tight security coordination across the port environment, commercial centers, and residential communities within the area.
Her command has intensified surveillance operations and strengthened collaboration with other security agencies operating within the Apapa port corridor.
Stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors recognize the importance of effective policing in ensuring smooth business operations, and ACP Onwamaegbu’s leadership has contributed significantly to maintaining order in the complex and high-pressure environment of Apapa.
Her strategic leadership continues to play a vital role in safeguarding one of Nigeria’s most economically sensitive areas.
Redefining Leadership in Policing
The achievements of these five distinguished officers highlight the growing influence of women in Nigeria’s security architecture.
For decades, policing was perceived largely as a male-dominated profession. However, the rise of female leaders such as ACP Yemisi Ojo, ACP Shola Omilade, ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, and ACP Onyinye K. Onwamaegbu demonstrates a remarkable shift within the Nigeria Police Force.
Their leadership is marked not only by operational effectiveness but also by empathy, discipline, and a deep understanding of community engagement.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, their contributions serve as powerful reminders that women continue to play vital roles in strengthening institutions and advancing national development.
Across Lagos State, these officers stand as symbols of courage, professionalism, and transformative leadership—proof that when women lead in law enforcement, communities become safer and the future of policing grows stronger.
Their stories are not just about policing; they are about breaking barriers, inspiring the next generation of female officers, and proving that excellence in leadership knows no gender.
