By Joy Omagha Idam
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, Victor Olaiya, has pledged the full support of the Nigeria Police Force for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit 2026, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in promoting peace and national development.
AIG Olaiya made the commitment when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by its National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Zone 7 Headquarters in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.
The visit was to formally invite the Police leadership to partner with NAWOJ for the WINSEC Summit 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Lagos/Osun Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Describing the summit as a timely and strategic initiative, the AIG said the programme would further strengthen collaboration among security agencies, the media, government institutions and other stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and acknowledged the media as a critical partner in promoting public awareness, accountability and national stability.
“The press is a very vital partner of the Police. Your role in informing the public and promoting peace cannot be overemphasised. We are pleased to identify with this initiative because security is a collective responsibility,” Olaiya said.
He assured the NAWOJ delegation that Zone 7 would work closely with the organisers to ensure the success of the summit.
“We are ready to support this initiative. We shall liaise with your team to ensure that our support is properly coordinated. As far as Zone 7 is concerned, we are fully with you and we will play our part,” he assured.
The AIG advised the association to submit a formal request to the Inspector-General of Police detailing all operational requirements for the event, including security coverage, protocol arrangements, logistics and police band services.
According to him, once approval is granted by the Inspector-General, the appropriate departments within the Police hierarchy would be directed to provide the necessary support.
Speaking on women’s contributions to national development, Olaiya commended women for their outstanding performance across various sectors, including public service, security, finance and governance.
He particularly applauded female officers of the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism, dedication and leadership, noting that women continue to make significant contributions to nation-building.
“In every sphere of life, women continue to prove their capacity. They are doing remarkably well in public service, banking, security and many other professions. They are our mothers, sisters and partners in nation-building, and they deserve every encouragement and opportunity to excel,” he said.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, said the association sought the partnership of the Nigeria Police Force because of its strategic role as the nation’s foremost internal security institution.
She described the Women in Security Summit as one of NAWOJ’s flagship national programmes aimed at fostering dialogue on security, strategic communication, gender inclusion, peacebuilding and national development.
According to her, the summit is expected to attract more than 150 participants from across the country, including representatives of security agencies, the Armed Forces, paramilitary organisations, government institutions, diplomatic missions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, academia, development partners and the media.
She explained that the summit would provide a platform for meaningful discussions on emerging security threats, community policing, conflict prevention, women’s leadership in security and innovative strategies for building a safer Nigeria.
Aisha Ibrahim also commended the Nigeria Police Force for its sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies would enhance responsible journalism, public trust and national security.
The visit concluded with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in advancing peace, security, responsible journalism and inclusive national development ahead of the WINSEC Summit 2026.