NSCDC Backs NAWOJ’s WINSEC Summit 2026, Pledges Long-Term Partnership on Journalists’ Safety

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has pledged its full support for the maiden Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on national security, media safety and women’s inclusion in peacebuilding.

The commitment was made when the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja to formally invite the Corps to partner with the summit scheduled for August 5, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Commandant Odumosu described the summit as a timely initiative that would strengthen dialogue between the media and security institutions and contribute to national development.

He assured the association of the Corps’ participation despite the short notice, pledging continuous support for NAWOJ.

“I want to assure you that we will do all that we can to make sure that we are part and parcel of this summit. We will always support NAWOJ any time, any day. I look forward to working with you going forward through positive engagements that will help us grow as individuals, as institutions and as a nation,” he said.

Odumosu said sustainable national development depends on effective collaboration between the media and security agencies, noting that responsible journalism plays a crucial role in building public trust, combating misinformation, improving security awareness and shaping policies that promote peace.

The Commandant also reaffirmed his support for greater participation of women in leadership and governance, expressing optimism that the proposed Special Seats Bill would create more opportunities for women to contribute to national development.

Highlighting his recent appointment as UNESCO National Focal Person on the Safety of Journalists, Odumosu pledged to work closely with NAWOJ and other media stakeholders to create a safer environment for journalists, particularly women, to carry out their duties without harassment, intimidation or violence.

He said the collaboration would focus on advocacy, awareness creation, reporting mechanisms and sustained engagement with security agencies to strengthen the protection of journalists nationwide.

Odumosu further proposed expanding the partnership beyond the summit through capacity-building programmes and regular engagements involving NAWOJ state chapters to deepen media-security relations across the country.

Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, commended the NSCDC for its role in protecting critical national infrastructure and combating crimes such as vandalism, illegal mining and crude oil theft.

She said the WINSEC Summit and Awards 2026 is designed as a national platform that will convene heads of security agencies, policymakers, development partners, diplomats, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, women leaders, young professionals and media practitioners to examine practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s security through inclusive leadership, strategic communication and institutional collaboration.

Aisha appealed to the NSCDC to actively participate in the summit by deploying senior officers as delegates and resource persons while supporting the initiative to ensure its success.

She expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between NAWOJ and the NSCDC would deepen public trust, promote responsible journalism and contribute to a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Both organisations expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would strengthen national discourse on security, improve the safety of journalists and create greater opportunities for women to contribute to peacebuilding and national development.