Tension is rising within the Enugu State Police Command following allegations that female personnel are being forced to pay mandatory levies for the upcoming 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Women Police, scheduled for December 4.

An internal memo obtained by SaharaReporters and circulated via WhatsApp by senior female officers instructed all female staff across divisions and formations to contribute specific amounts for branded T-shirts and entertainment for the event.

According to the directive, senior female officers are required to pay N10,000 and above, while Inspectors and Rank-and-File personnel must pay N5,000. The notice further instructed the “most senior woman” in each division to collect the funds and remit them to a personal bank account: Theresa Eneh Chioma – First Bank Plc – 3030601038.

Officers were told to complete payment by November 20 and forward proof of payment “for proper accountability.”

Despite being described as voluntary, several officers told SaharaReporters that the payments are being strictly enforced. Those who refuse to pay are allegedly threatened with punitive transfers to remote or difficult posts.

“Anyone who doesn’t pay will be posted to interior villages like Uzo-Uwani as punishment,” a source said. “They told us directly that refusing to pay means we are not supporting the celebration.”

Another officer expressed concern about the pressure on junior ranks.
“How can they force us to pay from our small salaries? This is not voluntary. They are using transfer as intimidation.”

The use of a private bank account instead of an official police account has also raised concerns about transparency, legality, and potential abuse of authority. Several officers questioned why a police anniversary event would require personal funding from personnel when it is expected to be officially supported by the Nigeria Police Force.

“There is no official signal from Abuja authorising this,” one officer said. “Everything is being done quietly, and they are using fear to enforce it.”

As of the time this report was filed, the Enugu State Police Command has not issued any official response to the allegations. Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful.

The development has fuelled frustration among female officers who describe the levy as both exploitative and insensitive, especially given current economic hardships.

A female sergeant captured the prevailing sentiment:
“We are proud to serve. But forcing us to pay for celebrations and threatening us if we don’t—that is wrong. It is oppression.”