…Says early marriage robs girls of education, exposes them to abuse, poverty
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called on Nigerians to unite against child marriage and intensify efforts to 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, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The celebration, held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” focused on the need to protect girls, expand their opportunities and tackle practices that threaten their safety and development.
The police chief described the protection of the girl child as both a legal obligation and a collective moral responsibility requiring the involvement of parents, communities, government institutions and other stakeholders.
He warned that child marriage remained a major obstacle to girls’ development, often denying them access to education, healthcare and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
According to him, early marriage could also expose girls to poverty, violence and abuse, while limiting their chances of achieving personal growth and building 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,” Disu said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to child protection through effective law enforcement, community engagement, targeted interventions and collaboration with relevant organisations.
Disu stressed that protecting girls required more than public declarations, insisting that sustained investment was needed to guarantee their access to quality education, healthcare, personal safety, leadership opportunities and economic empowerment.
He noted that educated and empowered girls could become agents of positive change in their families and communities, adding that investing in their development would contribute to peace, security and national progress.
The IGP 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 a demonstration of commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and future of girls.
He acknowledged POCACOV’s preventive policing strategy and advocacy against social vices, noting that its activities complemented efforts to discourage harmful practices and promote responsible behaviour.
He also praised POWA for its contributions to family welfare, youth development and support for vulnerable members of society, stressing the importance of community-based initiatives in addressing challenges confronting children.
The police chief expressed appreciation to corporate organisations, development partners, sponsors and other stakeholders supporting programmes aimed at improving girls’ access to education, protection and empowerment opportunities.
He urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for safeguarding children, while calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, policymakers and development partners to intensify campaigns against child marriage.
Disu maintained that every girl deserved the opportunity to learn, develop her abilities and pursue her ambitions without being subjected to harmful practices.
“Let us continue to create safe spaces where girls can learn, lead, innovate and realise their full potentials,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the police would continue to support programmes aimed at protecting children, particularly girls, from abuse, exploitation and practices capable of undermining their safety and development.
Disu also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and private-sector stakeholders to advance girls’ rights and promote safer, more inclusive communities.
The event formed part of broader advocacy efforts to raise awareness of challenges facing girls and mobilise public support for their protection, education and overall development.
