The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, has reaffirmed the Corps’ confidence in the capacity of women in security, describing female officers as some of the service’s most resilient, disciplined and dependable personnel.
Speaking exclusively to Women News Today in Abuja, Odumosu said women have continued to prove that they are indispensable to national security and deserve greater opportunities in leadership and decision-making.
According to him, the NSCDC deliberately maintains a strong female presence across its formations because of the professionalism and commitment women bring to security operations.
The Commandant noted that the Corps has continued to invest in women officers, including the deployment of female squads for specialised operations, stressing that their effectiveness has reinforced the belief that women can excel in every aspect of security work.
“What a man can do, a woman can do better,” he said, adding that women are intelligent, resilient, hardworking and committed to service.
He maintained that if more opportunities are created for women, they would help transform many sectors of Nigeria’s national life, including security.
“I will always stand behind women because I know their capacity,” Odumosu said.
The Commandant also threw his weight behind the proposed Special Seats Bill for women, saying affirmative action remains one of the surest ways to guarantee women’s participation in governance and leadership.
“When the bill succeeds, it will no longer be a matter of appeal. It will become mandatory for women to occupy certain positions, and I believe Nigeria will be better for it,” he stated.
Security Needs Women’s Voices
Odumosu described the forthcoming Women in Security Summit as a timely initiative that would elevate women’s voices in shaping national security policies.
He said security can only thrive through inclusive leadership, stressing that women bring unique perspectives to peacebuilding, community engagement and conflict prevention.
According to him, the summit should produce practical recommendations capable of influencing government policies and strengthening collaboration among security institutions, the media and civil society.
He further acknowledged the crucial role of women journalists in promoting peace, combating misinformation and educating citizens on security issues.
Protecting Women Journalists
The Commandant, who was recently appointed by UNESCO as a focal person on the safety of journalists, expressed concern over the unique risks faced by female journalists, noting that many experience harassment, intimidation and sexual abuse while carrying out their professional duties.
He said women journalists are often more vulnerable than their male counterparts and, in many cases, suffer in silence because of fear of stigma or retaliation.
Drawing from discussions at an international conference attended by representatives from about 30 African countries, Odumosu said the global concern over attacks on women journalists informed UNESCO’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms for their protection.
“As women, many of you experience harassment more than men, whether from security personnel, government officials or even within your workplaces. Many do not report these incidents because they fear being stigmatised,” he said.
He pledged to use his UNESCO role to advocate for safer working conditions for journalists, ensure cases of harassment receive attention and encourage accountability among security agencies.
NSCDC Backs WINSEC 2026
The Commandant commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for initiating the Women in Security Summit, describing it as a long-overdue platform that recognises women’s contributions to national development and security.
He assured the association of the NSCDC’s support despite the short notice, promising that the Corps would participate actively in the summit.
“We will do all that we can to be part of this initiative because security and the media must work together. When women are given the opportunity to contribute, the nation benefits,” he said.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, said the summit was conceived to provide a national platform for women leaders in the security sector, policymakers, journalists, development partners and civil society organisations to develop practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s security through inclusive leadership.
She commended the NSCDC for its professionalism and community-based security model and appealed for sustained collaboration with the Corps in promoting public enlightenment, responsible journalism and women’s participation in peace and security.
The Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026 is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across Nigeria to celebrate outstanding women and institutions advancing security, peacebuilding and national development.
