The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has voiced alarm about the growing complexity of Nigeria’s national security issues.
Akpabio emphasised the vital role of intelligence in directing leadership to safeguard citizens and further national interests during the 2024 Defence Advisers and Attachés Conference in Abuja, where he was represented by Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar.
Akpabio also called for the integration of technology into security strategy, stressing that advances in technology must be ethically and legally taken into account for defence to be effective.
He remarked, “We have witnessed events that challenge the stability and core of our nationhood.
“As Defence Attachés, Advisers, and Officers overseeing state security, our internal challenges now require proactive measures. We must leverage experience to anticipate threats within each area of coverage and assess their implications on Nigeria.”
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, who also spoke at the occasion emphasised the necessity of modifying intelligence procedures in light of a rapidly changing environment.
He announced plans to integrate AI, machine learning, and human analytics into intelligence operations, adding that the breakthroughs help sift huge data and identify patterns vital to addressing growing security threats.
Matawalle reiterated the ministry’s dedication to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises eradicating poverty, fostering diversity, and creating jobs.
Major General Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, commended the Armed Forces for their accomplishments in preventing vandalism, cybercrime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
He noted the difficulties brought on by geopolitical tensions, climate change, and regional instability, and added that their job is to deliver precise intelligence to help Nigeria achieve its security goals.
