The Nigeria Police Force, the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) have called for an end to child marriage, urging parents, community leaders and policymakers to protect the rights of the girl-child and invest in her education, safety and future.
The call was made during a programme commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child. The event was organised through a collaboration between POWA and POCACOV, with senior police officers and child-protection advocates warning that early marriage deprives girls of their childhood, education and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, described the protection of the girl-child as both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility shared by government institutions, families and society.
He stressed that poverty, harmful cultural practices, gender inequality and insecurity must not be allowed to justify the denial of girls’ fundamental rights.
He commended POCACOV and POWA for organising the programme, noting that their collaboration reflected a common commitment to safeguarding the dignity, rights and future of girls.
According to him, child marriage remains a major barrier to girls’ advancement, exposing them to poverty, violence, abuse and restricted life opportunities while denying them access to education and the chance to realise their full potential.
“The Nigeria Police Force recognises that protecting the girl-child is not merely a legal obligation, but also a moral and societal responsibility,” he said.
The IGP’s representative reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons through law enforcement, community engagement, public awareness and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
He added that investing in girls’ education, health, safety, leadership opportunities and economic empowerment would contribute to peace, security and national development.
On her part, the President of POWA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Disu, represented by the wife of the DIG in charge of Training, Mrs Zainab Ishaku Muhammed, urged Nigerians to challenge harmful traditions and social pressures that perpetuate child marriage.
She maintained that cultural heritage should not become an excuse for practices that undermine children’s rights, stressing that traditions should provide girls with identity and a sense of belonging rather than impose limitations on their aspirations.
Protecting girl-child is a moral, societal responsibility – Police