The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has said the inaugural Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026 is aimed at recognising outstanding contributions to national security while advocating greater inclusion and recognition of women in Nigeria’s security architecture.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the summit, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim, said the initiative was conceived to celebrate excellence, encourage professionalism and strengthen collaboration among security institutions, policymakers, the media and other stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

She explained that award recipients were selected through a rigorous screening process involving security agencies and an independent verification committee to ensure that only deserving individuals were honoured.

According to her, nominees from the military, paramilitary and other security agencies were vetted by their respective institutions, while civilian nominees underwent independent verification and field assessments.

She cited the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Mukhtar Betara, as one of the nominees whose constituency projects were physically inspected by an assessment team.

“We visited his constituency and discovered that what was on ground was even more than what had been reported. Every nomination passed through a screening committee, and some were rejected based on the committee’s findings before the final list was approved,” she said.

Ibrahim stressed that insecurity remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge and called for greater participation of women in efforts to combat violent extremism and crime.

“As mothers, we have the soft power to influence our children and communities. Women can help discourage young people from embracing crime, radicalisation and violent extremism,” she said.

She lamented that many women serving in security agencies have remained under-recognised despite their sacrifices and contributions to national security, adding that WINSEC would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting female personnel and recommend practical solutions.

The NAWOJ chairperson noted that cultural and social barriers have discouraged many women, particularly in northern Nigeria, from pursuing careers in the security sector.

“There is a need to encourage more women to join the security services. By bringing together policymakers, journalists, security institutions and other stakeholders, we hope to identify the obstacles facing women and chart a path towards greater inclusion,” she said.

Highlighting the award categories, Ibrahim revealed that one of the recipients is Aisha Gombe from Adamawa State, whom she described as a courageous woman who fought Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest despite being pregnant.

“These are the kind of women we want society to recognise and celebrate. For decades, women have fought alongside men to defend the sovereignty of this country, yet their sacrifices have received little recognition,” she said.

She expressed optimism that the summit, scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, would become an annual event, citing the overwhelming support from security agencies, development partners, corporate organisations and the private sector.

According to her, the summit will bring together government officials, military and paramilitary agencies, law enforcement institutions, intelligence organisations, traditional rulers, diplomats, civil society groups, academics, media professionals and development partners to discuss emerging security threats and promote gender inclusion in security leadership.

Ibrahim urged Nigerians, particularly women in the North, to take active roles in promoting peace and security, noting that women have historically played significant roles in persuading insurgents to surrender through dialogue and family influence.

She added that recognising women who have distinguished themselves in security and peacebuilding would inspire more Nigerians to contribute to national development and help build a safer and more secure country.