The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for collective action to end child marriage and protect girls from abuse, exploitation and other harmful practices.
Disu made the call in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, to mark the 2026 International Day Day of the Girl Child.
The celebration was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The IGP, who adescribed the protection of girls as both a legal and moral obligation, said child marriage remained a major obstacle to their development, depriving many of education, healthcare and opportunities to realise their potential.
He noted that the practice often exposed girls to poverty, violence and abuse, while limiting their prospects for a better future.
“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.
Disu said the Force remained committed to protecting children through law enforcement, community engagement, child protection initiatives and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
He added that investing in girls’ rights required sustained efforts to guarantee access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and economic empowerment.
According to him, educated and empowered girls could become agents of positive change in their families and communities, while contributing to peace, security and national development.
The police chief commended the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) for organising the programme, describing their collaboration as evidence of a shared commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and future of the girl child.
He also praised POCACOV for its preventive policing approach and advocacy against social vices, while acknowledging POWA’s contributions to family welfare, youth development and support for vulnerable members of society.
Disu further appreciated corporate organisations, development partners, sponsors and other stakeholders for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting the education, protection and empowerment of girls.
He called on parents, guardians, community leaders, religious leaders, educators, policymakers and development partners to strengthen efforts to end child marriage and ensure that girls were not denied opportunities to pursue their aspirations.
“Let us continue to create safe spaces where girls can learn, lead, innovate and realise their full potentials,” he said.
The IGP reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to supporting initiatives that protect children, particularly girls, from abuse, exploitation and harmful practices.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector in advancing the rights of girls and building safer, more inclusive communities.
The event was organised as part of efforts to raise awareness about the challenges facing girls and mobilise stakeholders to promote their rights, safety and development.
