Khadijah Mustapha

Khadijah Mustapha is a security and intelligence expert specialising in West African geopolitical dynamics, digital risks, and emerging threats. As the Head of the Security and Technology Program at CAPS-WA, Khadijah combines her multidisciplinary background in business, finance, economics, and security studies to create innovative solutions addressing Africa’s unique security challenges.

Khadija holds an International Master’s degree in Security, Intelligence, and Strategic Studies from the University of Glasgow, Dublin City University, and Charles University Prague, complemented by a BSc (Hons) in International Business, Finance, and Economics from the University of Manchester.

Her professional experience includes her role as a Security and Intelligence Analyst at Intelligensis, where she conducts in-depth analysis of violent extremism, geopolitical developments, and security events across West Africa. She has authored numerous reports and briefings, using advanced data analysis tools like Tableau to derive insights from large datasets and monitor incidents affecting client operations. Her ability to translate complex security information into actionable intelligence demonstrates her proficiency in structured analytic techniques and stakeholder engagement.

Khadija’s research work also extends globally. Through a project at ETH Zurich, she contributed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In this role, she contributed case studies to a comprehensive repository of digital risks and harms against civilians, journalists, and refugees in war contexts. This supported the ongoing development of a toolkit for evaluating and addressing the digital risks of vulnerable populations in conflict settings, covering various conflict zones worldwide.

Her experience in corporate and humanitarian settings equips her with a unique perspective on security and technology. She has managed critical projects, and her open-source intelligence (OSINT) and project management certifications further enhance her expertise.

Fluent in English, Hausa, and Babur, with basic proficiency in Spanish, Khadijah is an adept communicator and a strategic leader. She ensures that the Security and Technology Program at CAPS-WA remains at the forefront of developing robust, technology-driven solutions to West Africa’s security challenges.

Khadija is Nigerian and also volunteers as a mentor in CAPS-WA’s “Mentoring Peace” Program.