Charles Pen holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; and is currently completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), also in Defence and Strategic Studies. His areas of interest include: small group security challenges and protection; SALWs proliferation and control; and conflict management. Before joining CIVIC, Charles Pen was a researcher and trainer at the Centre for the Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations (CSLCMO) and he later moved to the Centre for Defence Studies and Documentation (CDSD), both at the Ribadu Campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria. He also worked as a training officer and coordinator at the Battalion Computer Training Centre, 35 Battalion Nigerian Army, Natsinta Katsina. Charles Pen brings over 5 years’ experience and skills in research, training, and facilitation of protection-based dialogue session with law enforcement agents and civilians organized at national and international fora.