EXCLUSIVE: Female Police Officers In Enugu Forced To Pay N5,000–N10,000 For 70th Nigerian Women Police Anniversary, Threatened With Transfers

An atmosphere of tension is brewing within the Enugu State Police Command following allegations that female police personnel are being compelled to pay mandatory levies for the upcoming 70th Anniversary Celebration of Nigerian Women Police, scheduled for December 4.

An internal memo obtained by SaharaReporters, circulated on WhatsApp by senior female officers, instructed all female personnel across divisions and formations to contribute specified amounts toward branded T-shirts and entertainment for the event.

Under the arrangement, senior female officers are required to pay N10,000 and above, while those in the Inspector, Rank and File cadre are mandated to pay N5,000. The funds are to be collected by the “most senior woman” in each division and remitted to an individual account: Theresa Eneh Chioma; Account Number: 3030601038; First Bank Plc

Personnel were instructed to complete payments on or before November 20, and to send proof of payment for what the message described as “proper accountability.”

The internal notice also encouraged officers to attend “en masse” for the celebration and “make Enugu proud,” noting that branded T-shirts had already been arranged.

However, multiple sources within the Enugu Command told SaharaReporters that the levy, described as voluntary in wording, is being enforced. Officers who fail to pay are allegedly being threatened with punitive transfers to remote or difficult terrains.

“Anyone who doesn’t pay will be posted to interior villages such as Uzo-Uwani and others as punishment,” one source told SaharaReporters. 

“This is what we have been told directly. They said refusal to pay means you’re not supporting the celebration.”

Another female officer expressed fear over the pressure mounted on junior personnel.

“How can we be forced to pay from our salary when we are already struggling? This is not voluntary. They have weaponised transfer,” she said.

Meanwhile, the directive, which includes payment to a personal bank account rather than an official police account, has raised concerns over transparency and the legality of compelling contributions within a government security agency.

Several officers questioned why individuals were being asked to fund an event expected to be officially backed by the Police Force.

“There is no official signal from Abuja authorising this collection,” one officer alleged. “Everything is being coordinated quietly, and they are using intimidation.”

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Enugu Police Command regarding the alleged forced payments or threats of disciplinary transfers.

Efforts by SaharaReporters to reach police spokesperson for the state police command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, for comment were unsuccessful.

The unfolding controversy has heightened discontent among female officers, many of whom believe the levy is exploitative and unfair, especially given current economic pressures.

One female sergeant summed up the mood within the barracks, saying, “We are proud to serve, but forcing us to pay for celebrations and threatening us if we don't; that is not right. This is oppression.”