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Pix: Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief\/CEO, People’s Security Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Tunji Braimoh, Senior Staff Writer, People’s Security Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more than three decades, Isiaka Mustapha has remained steadfast in the demanding profession of journalism, building a career defined by experience, versatility, professional development and an enduring commitment to national service. From his early days as a cub reporter to his present position as Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of People\u2019s Security Monitor (PSM), his journey reflects the determination of a journalist who has consistently sought to use the power of the media to promote public enlightenment, accountability and national development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With more than 30 years of experience across newspaper and magazine journalism, editorial administration, political reporting, publishing and specialised security reporting, Mustapha has established himself as a media professional whose interests extend beyond the routine business of gathering and disseminating information. His current concentration on national security journalism represents the culmination of years of professional exposure, academic advancement and a growing conviction that the media must play a strategic role in Nigeria\u2019s quest for peace and stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, as the head of People\u2019s Security Monitor, a specialised publication devoted to defence, national security, law enforcement, intelligence, civil protection and public safety, Mustapha occupies a professional space that places him in regular engagement with the institutions and personnel responsible for protecting Nigeria\u2019s territorial integrity and safeguarding its citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His journalism career began in 1991 when he joined the Daily Times as a cub reporter. At the time, the newspaper was one of Nigeria\u2019s most influential media organisations and a significant training ground for aspiring journalists. His experience there introduced him to the fundamentals of professional newspaper practice, including news gathering, information verification, reporting discipline, editorial standards and the responsibilities associated with communicating developments to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His subsequent experience with The Punch further broadened his understanding of mainstream newspaper journalism and strengthened his professional foundation. He later moved into magazine journalism, where he explored different dimensions of public affairs, society reporting and political developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Fame Weekly, Mustapha served as Society Reporter, covering prominent personalities, social developments and events that attracted public attention. He subsequently joined Today\u2019s Choice as Senior Political Correspondent, a position that expanded his exposure to Nigeria\u2019s political environment, governance, public administration and the activities of political office holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His professional journey took another significant turn when he became Northern Bureau Chief of City People. The responsibility provided him with opportunities to cover developments across Northern Nigeria, a region whose political, economic, cultural and security dynamics have far-reaching implications for the country’s stability and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He later served as Society Editor at Global Excellence before joining Leadership Newspaper as Deputy Editor. These appointments exposed him to higher levels of editorial responsibility, newsroom coordination, story development, professional supervision and the management of journalistic operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His eventual transition into media entrepreneurship led to his publishing responsibilities with Press Gallery, marking another important phase in his career. Rather than remaining exclusively within established media organisations, he embraced the challenges of building and managing independent media platforms, an experience that eventually prepared him for his present leadership responsibilities at People\u2019s Security Monitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One defining feature of Mustapha\u2019s career is his commitment to continuous learning. Recognising that journalism requires intellectual development and an understanding of the changing society, he pursued formal academic training alongside his professional responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He obtained a Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 2007 and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Security Studies from the National Open University of Nigeria in 2024. His academic interest also extended to postgraduate studies in the same discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision to study criminology and security studies was particularly significant because it provided an additional intellectual foundation for his growing interest in security reporting. It enabled him to approach issues of criminality, law enforcement, public safety, intelligence and national security from a broader perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of professional journalism training and academic exposure to criminology has influenced his editorial direction. His interest is no longer limited to reporting security incidents, arrests, attacks and official statements. Rather, he seeks to examine the institutions, policies, operational strategies, personnel and structural challenges that determine the effectiveness of Nigeria\u2019s security architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This professional evolution has found expression in People\u2019s Security Monitor, which he leads as Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People\u2019s Security Monitor was established around the conviction that national security deserves sustained, informed and specialised media attention. Its coverage cuts across the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and other institutions involved in protecting the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The publication also focuses on contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal mining, oil theft, cybercrime, pipeline vandalism, attacks on critical infrastructure and threats to community safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its guiding philosophy, expressed in the slogan, Nigeria\u2019s Security Is Our Collective Responsibility<\/em>, reflects Mustapha\u2019s belief that national security cannot be achieved through government action alone. Security agencies have constitutional responsibilities, but citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media must also contribute to the collective effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under his editorial direction, PSM has sought to create a platform for constructive engagement between security institutions and the public. Through interviews, institutional visits, special reports, features and public enlightenment initiatives, the publication has maintained contact with serving and retired security officers and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His professional engagements have included interactions with military authorities, NSCDC leadership, state commandants, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and other organisations whose activities are connected with national security and public protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the institutions that have received considerable attention from Mustapha\u2019s journalism is the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His interest in the Corps is informed by its strategic responsibilities, particularly the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, disaster management, civil protection, intelligence gathering, safeguarding schools and the regulation of private guard companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through People\u2019s Security Monitor, he has consistently followed the leadership and institutional development of the Corps under its Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His coverage has examined the Corps\u2019 operational activities, administrative reforms, personnel development, Agro Rangers operations, Safe Schools initiative and the Mining Marshals, while also highlighting the challenges associated with institutional capacity, personnel welfare, discipline, professionalism and public confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mustapha has particularly demonstrated interest in the contributions of the Agro Rangers to agricultural security and the protection of farmers, as well as the Safe Schools initiative and its importance in protecting educational institutions against attacks and abductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His attention to the Mining Marshals also reflects his understanding that illegal mining is not merely an environmental or regulatory problem. It has serious implications for national revenue, community stability, resource protection, economic sovereignty and national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For him, the protection of Nigeria\u2019s mineral resources requires effective coordination, intelligence-driven operations, enforcement of mining regulations and cooperation among relevant government institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His coverage of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria similarly reflects his belief in community participation as an essential component of effective security management. He recognises that local intelligence and community-based security structures can complement conventional security agencies when properly coordinated and operated within the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A distinguishing feature of Mustapha\u2019s approach to security reporting is his conviction that the media must go beyond reproducing official press releases and announcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He believes that security journalism should examine operational achievements, interrogate institutional shortcomings, investigate emerging threats, assess government policies and give attention to the welfare and professional development of security personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his view, security institutions deserve fair and informed reporting, but constructive engagement must never undermine editorial independence or the media\u2019s constitutional responsibility to hold public institutions accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This philosophy informs his interest in investigative reporting, institutional assessments, personnel welfare, transparency and the protection of citizens\u2019 fundamental rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Mustapha, the effectiveness of a security institution should not be measured exclusively by the number of arrests made, operations conducted or weapons recovered. Its professionalism, discipline, accountability, operational effectiveness and relationship with the communities it serves are equally important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He maintains that a credible security system must inspire public confidence while ensuring that the rights and dignity of citizens are respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond his daily editorial responsibilities, Mustapha has developed an interest in documenting the contributions of security institutions and prominent personalities through books, compendiums and other publishing initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of his major literary projects is The Defender of the Nation: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s Three-Year Onslaught Against Insecurity, His Tough Decisions, Sacrifices and Gains<\/em>, with ISBN 978-978-68-1148-2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The book examines Nigeria\u2019s security experience since May 2023, focusing on terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, cybercrime, separatist violence and other threats confronting the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also examines government policies, operational responses, difficult decisions, sacrifices and reported gains within the broader context of national security and the Renewed Hope administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project demonstrates his interest in preserving contemporary security history through documentary journalism, while providing an opportunity to examine the challenges, decisions and consequences associated with managing Nigeria\u2019s complex security environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He has also been involved in documenting the achievements of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps under Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi through the production and presentation of a dedicated institutional compendium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such projects reflect his belief that the contributions of public institutions and individuals should be properly documented for institutional memory, historical reference and future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mustapha is associated with professional organisations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the International Organisation of Journalists, Czechoslovakia, and the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His professional outlook has been shaped by the understanding that journalism is not merely an occupation but a public responsibility. He believes that journalists must help citizens understand the issues affecting their communities, interrogate public policies, promote responsible leadership and provide credible information upon which informed decisions can be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His commitment to security journalism is particularly informed by the devastating consequences of insecurity on national development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When farmers are prevented from accessing their farms, children cannot attend school safely, businesses operate under constant threats and communities live in fear, the consequences extend beyond the immediate victims. They affect food production, investment, economic growth, education, social cohesion and the overall stability of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This explains why he has consistently advocated stronger cooperation between security institutions and the communities they protect. He believes that sustainable security requires effective institutions, reliable intelligence, adequate equipment, professional personnel, public trust and a citizenry willing to support lawful security initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From his beginnings as a cub reporter at Daily Times in 1991 to his present position as Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of People\u2019s Security Monitor, Isiaka Mustapha has witnessed the transformation of Nigerian journalism across several generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He has experienced the traditional newsroom, the competitive magazine industry, political reporting, editorial management, independent publishing and the emergence of digital journalism. Through these different phases, he has continued to adapt, acquire new knowledge and redefine his professional interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His journey is also a reminder that professional relevance requires continuous development. His decision to complement decades of newsroom experience with formal academic training in criminology and security studies demonstrates an understanding that the demands of modern journalism increasingly require specialised knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, beyond the professional appointments, academic qualifications and publishing achievements, the central motivation behind his present undertaking remains the desire to contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Mustapha, the ultimate purpose of security journalism is not simply to report the activities of security agencies or celebrate their achievements. It is to contribute to a society where citizens can live without fear, children can attend school without threats, farmers can cultivate their land, businesses can operate freely, public resources are protected and security personnel discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and respect for the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than three decades after he took his first steps into journalism, Mustapha remains committed to that responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through People\u2019s Security Monitor, he continues to champion the belief that Nigeria\u2019s security is a collective responsibility and that the media has an indispensable role in building a country where peace, justice, public safety and national development can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His professional journey is far from over. It remains a continuing story of journalism, learning, institutional engagement and an unrelenting quest for a safer Nigeria.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Pix: Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief\/CEO, People’s Security Monitor By Tunji Braimoh, Senior Staff Writer, People’s Security Monitor For more than three decades, Isiaka Mustapha has remained steadfast in the demanding profession…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":27634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31658","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pages"],"yoast_head":"\n