The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) have called for increased investment in girls’ rights and urgent action to end child marriage in Nigeria.

The call was made on Monday, October 12, 2026, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

The event, organised through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and other Vices (POCACOV) in partnership with POWA, was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”

Participants included secondary school students from across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representatives of international organisations, educators, medical practitioners, corporate organisations, development partners, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Discussions centred on strategies to address child marriage and persistent violations of the rights of the girl child despite the existence of relevant national and international laws.

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwumelie, described the initiative as timely and impactful.

He said the protection of children’s rights was not merely a legal obligation but also a moral and societal responsibility.

According to him, investing in girls’ rights involves ensuring access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and economic empowerment.

He urged stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to ending child marriage and protecting children’s rights within their respective areas of responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of POWA’s National President, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, Mrs Zainab Isyaku Mohammed emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address child marriage and other abuses against the girl child.

She expressed concern that the practice persisted despite the existence of laws aimed at protecting children, calling for urgent and coordinated action to prevent girls from being married off at an early age.

Mohammed also highlighted the harmful consequences of child marriage for affected girls, their families and the wider society.

She encouraged students, particularly girls, to take advantage of awareness and advocacy platforms to learn about their rights and understand how to protect themselves against abuse and exploitation.

Other dignitaries at the event included representatives of the FCT Secondary Education Board, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders and supporting community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting children’s rights.

The Force also reaffirmed its resolve to protect children, particularly the girl child, from abuse, exploitation and other harmful practices.