By Barth Ikiebe
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, Victor Olaiya, has pledged full support for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit 2026, describing the initiative as a timely national platform that aligns with the collective responsibility of promoting peace, security and national development.
AIG Olaiya gave the assurance when he received in audience the leadership of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by its National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Zone 7 Headquarters, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.
The visit was aimed at formally inviting the command and seeking the partnership and support of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 for the WINSEC Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Lagos/Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The AIG commended NAWOJ for conceiving the Women in Security Summit, noting that the initiative would further deepen collaboration among security agencies, the media, government institutions and other critical stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He acknowledged the indispensable role of the media in nation-building, describing journalists as strategic partners of the Nigeria Police Force in promoting public awareness, accountability and national security.
“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,” he noted.
AIG Olaiya assured the delegation that Zone 7 would provide its full support towards the success of the summit, adding that the command would work closely with the organisers to ensure seamless collaboration.
“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,” Olaiya assured.
The AIG Zone 7, however, advised the association to formally write to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), outlining all its requirements for the event, including security coverage, protocol arrangements, logistics, police band and other operational needs.
According to him, once the request is approved by the Inspector-General, the Police hierarchy would assign responsibilities to the relevant departments to ensure that every aspect of the summit requiring police support is professionally handled.
“When you write to the Inspector-General of Police, clearly indicate everything you require. Once he gives approval, the appropriate departments will be assigned their responsibilities, and you will receive all the necessary support. On our part here in Zone 7, we will equally play our role to ensure the success of the programme,” he stated.
Speaking on gender inclusion, AIG Olaiya commended women for their exceptional performance across different sectors of national life, describing them as dependable, hardworking and result-oriented professionals.
He particularly praised female officers of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and professionalism, noting that women have continued to distinguish themselves in leadership, public service, finance, security and other critical sectors.
“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 stated.
Earlier, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, said the association was seeking the partnership of the Nigeria Police Force because of its strategic role as Nigeria’s foremost internal security institution.
She described the Women in Security Summit as one of NAWOJ’s flagship national initiatives designed to promote dialogue on security, strategic communication, gender inclusion, peacebuilding and national development.
According to her, the summit will bring together over 150 delegates from across Nigeria, 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 noted that the summit would provide a platform for robust discussions on emerging security challenges, community policing, conflict prevention, women’s leadership in security and innovative approaches to building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
The NAWOJ President commended the Nigeria Police Force for its sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies would further enhance public trust, responsible information sharing and national security.
