Africa Rallies Against Insecurity: CIISM and AU Agenda 2063 Convene High-Level Summit in Abuja

By Genesis Ogiri | Abuja, Nigeria

In a resolute response to the rising tide of insecurity across the African continent, the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM), in collaboration with the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, convened a high-level Security and Intelligence Summit at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja. Themed “Say No to Terrorism, Kidnapping, and Banditry,” the summit served as a diplomatic and policy-oriented platform aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing intelligence synergy, and promoting long-term strategies for peace and security across Africa.

Amid rising concerns over violent extremism, cross-border criminal activity, and internal insurgencies, the summit gathered distinguished representatives from the security sector, diplomatic missions, intelligence institutions, academia, and civil society to deliberate on sustainable, multilateral solutions.

The summit underscored the role of information strategy and cross-border intelligence collaboration in dismantling organized criminal syndicates and insurgent networks. Delegates called for a new security compact among African states—one that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, rapid response coordination, and youth-focused deradicalization programs.

Speaking on the intersection of strategy and sustainability, Ambassador Dr. Adelanke Peter Oyintoke, Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM), underscored the importance of balancing military tactics with structural solutions.

“While military interventions and tactical intelligence are critical to short-term containment,” he stated, “the long-term stability of the African continent hinges on addressing the socio-economic conditions that create fertile ground for extremism, radicalization, and criminal networks.”

His remarks echoed a central theme of the summit: that security must not be understood solely in terms of defense and enforcement, but as a function of justice, economic opportunity, and inclusive governance. Without addressing poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and marginalization—particularly among youth and vulnerable populations—efforts to combat violence may yield only temporary relief.

Speaking at the summit, Ambassador Dr. Mustapha Olayinka, convener of the event and senior official of the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, emphasized the urgent need for a collective security framework tailored to Africa’s unique geopolitical realities.

“Our nations are at a turning point,” he noted. “Terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are not isolated threats; they are symptoms of deeper systemic challenges that require our united diplomatic and strategic response.”

The summit highlighted the indispensable role of collaborative intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and community-led engagement in addressing root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, youth disenfranchisement, ideological extremism, and weak institutional frameworks.

Esteemed Guests Who Graced the Occasion

The summit drew an impressive array of distinguished personalities and stakeholders whose presence underscored the gravity of the insecurity challenges facing the continent, as well as the shared commitment to meaningful solutions. Among the high-level dignitaries and strategic contributors were:

1. Air Commodore (Dr) Oladimeji S. Almaroof, DFIISM – Represented by Squadron Leader I.Y. Galadima, he brought the perspective of defense intelligence and strategic command to the fore.

2. Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam, PhD, Head of Counter Terrorism – Representing the Inspector General of Police, he emphasized law enforcement’s evolving role in counter-insurgency.

3. Ambassador Professor Tunji Asaolu – Chairman, Governing Council, African Union Agenda 2063 and Secretary-General, United World Congress of Diplomats; a leading voice for continental unity and multilateral diplomacy.

4. Ambassador Dr. Adelanke Peter Oyintoke – Registrar, Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM), whose strategic insights anchored the summit’s long-term vision.

5. Ambassador Dr. Mustapha Olayinka – Convener, African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly and coordinator of the CTKB event, whose leadership inspired collective commitment to the summit’s objectives.

6. Ambassador Princess Dr. Nkoyo Iwok – Council Member, CIISM, and a vocal advocate for gender inclusion in peace and security dialogues.

7. Ambassador Dr. Salihu Barau Dauda, FCIISM – President, Nigeria Immigration Service Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., Abuja, who brought the border security perspective into the discussion.

8. Hafiz T. Mohammed – Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, representing the role of transport and civil safety agencies in national security.

9. Ambassador Dr. Solomon Ojuekaiye, DFCIISM – Council Member, CIISM and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, who provided insight into resource accountability in security spending.

10. Ambassador Mrs. Firdausi Muhammad – Founder, African Fashion Festival Vogue, highlighting the intersection of culture, youth engagement, and social stability.

11. Ambassador Dr. Abdulwaheed Odewale – First paper presenter and certified security strategist, who articulated actionable frameworks for community resilience.

12. Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Abayomi Nurain – Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner, ably represented by Hajiya Hauwa, whose message reinforced the importance of proactive intelligence and diplomatic cooperation.

Their collective contributions enriched the summit's dialogue, reaffirming that lasting peace and stability in Africa require a harmonized, multidisciplinary approach rooted in both strategic resolve and human development.

Throughout the summit, speakers reinforced the centrality of diplomacy in peace-building. Amb. Prof. Tunji Asaolu, addressing the gathering, stated:

 “The foundation of sustainable security lies not merely in arms and intelligence, but in diplomacy, inclusivity, and proactive leadership guided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for a peaceful and integrated continent.”

The summit’s key paper, delivered by Amb. Dr. Abdulwaheed Odewale, outlined a framework for developing resilient communities through preventive intelligence, investment in education and innovation, and responsible governance. His recommendations included:

As the summit concluded, participants reiterated the urgency of addressing insecurity not only as a matter of national defense but as a challenge to Africa’s unity, progress, and future prosperity. The consensus was clear: defeating terrorism and transnational crime requires a whole-of-society approach—driven by integrity, cooperation, and diplomacy.

The Abuja summit stands as a reaffirmation of Africa’s commitment to peaceful development through strategic coordination and visionary leadership. In the words of Amb. Dr. Olayinka, “Security is the bedrock of development. And only by walking together—across borders, sectors, and generations—can we build a future free from fear.”