Coalition Says Recognition Affirms Excellence, Inclusive Leadership and Gender-Responsive Policing
By : Chioma Vivian James
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice has congratulated the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla, on her 2026 Gender Sensitivity Award, describing the honour as a well-deserved recognition of her distinguished career, excellence and commitment to inclusive leadership.
The award, conferred by the UFUK Dialogue Foundation Nigeria in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), recognises DIG Ochalla’s contribution to gender-sensitive leadership and professionalism in policing.
In a statement, the Coalition’s National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, said DIG Ochalla had distinguished herself through years of meritorious service in various strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that her career progression had seen her serve in the AC Gender Unit, DC Gender Unit, CP Anti-Fraud Section, CP Police Special Fraud Unit and AIG FCID Annex Lagos, before her appointment as DIG FCID on March 10, 2026.
Okoronkwo described her deployment to the FCID, the apex investigative arm of the Nigeria Police Force, as a significant development, noting that her extensive experience has equipped her with the expertise required to handle high-profile and complex investigations.
“Her posting to FCID as the apex investigative arm is a blessing. She is conversant with the ethics of high-profile and complex investigations. This award is not just personal; it is proof that the Nigeria Police under IGP Tunji Disu is committed to gender-responsive policing, fairness and equal opportunity,” he said.
The Coalition further commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, for what it described as strategic deployment and the recognition of competence within the Force.
It stressed that DIG Ochalla’s achievement underscores the growing contribution of women to strategic leadership within Nigeria’s security sector and demonstrates the importance of providing qualified women with opportunities to serve at the highest levels of responsibility.
The civil society group also pledged its partnership with the Force Criminal Investigation Department in advancing justice, professionalism, accountability and public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The Coalition said the recognition of DIG Ochalla should serve as an encouragement for greater gender inclusion and equal opportunity within the nation’s security institutions.
