Enhancing Digital Defence

Kidnapping, gunman attacks, banditry, and terrorism have all caused significant concern in the country. Despite the Nigerian government’s efforts, the frequency of violence continues at a high financial and human cost. Emerging and existing technology are viable instruments that Nigeria should continue exploring to mitigate the country’s insecurity crisis. Information and communication technology (ICT) has considerable opportunities since modern technologies are efficient, highly integrated, flexible, and mobile. While there is increasing discourse on the use of technology in combating crime, it appears to be underutilised.

One of the most significant ways ICT can combat insecurity is to deploy improved surveillance and monitoring systems. Modern technology, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), may be domesticated by collecting data to follow criminal organisations’ movements. This allows for real-time monitoring of suspicious activities, detection of possible threats, and quick response to security problems. The deployment of modern monitoring and surveillance equipment at the disposal of security personnel may have a significant impact on the investigations into the series of armed attacks that occurred in Plateau State on Christmas Eve 2024. However, this cannot happen where government presence is lacking, and non-state armed groups take advantage of under-governed spaces to cause havoc. For some of the security interventions’ sustained impact, under-governed spaces should be addressed.

Geographic information systems (GIS) is one way to revolutionise securitisation in Nigeria. GIS are computer-based tools that store, visualise, analyse, and interpret geographic data. GIS technology plays a vital role in enhancing spatial analysis and mapping for security purposes. Integrating GIS with security databases allows authorities to visualise and understand the geographical patterns of criminal activities. This aids in strategic planning, resource allocation, and the development of targeted interventions to address specific security challenges in different regions. In light of the spate of kidnappings in Nigeria, GIS can be used to monitor such clandestine activities. In Colombia, for instance, GIS greatly facilitated the identification of insecurity hotspots, after which maps were created for each insecurity category. This helped inform the analysis of the contradictions between state-level security understandings and practice and how communities experience insecurity.

Mobile and communication technologies could also be effective tools for communication and information distribution in the battle against insecurity. Using the fifth generation (5G) network in the country would boost remote surveillance, with numerous facilities such as robots connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and many others deployed with real-time connection to places, including remote areas where operatives may not be physically present. This is especially crucial in places defined as ungoverned spaces, which criminal elements have been known to use for nefarious purposes. Furthermore, secure communication channels help security services improve coordination and response capabilities. 

In an era of rapid Artificial Intelligence (AI) breakthroughs, using AI video surveillance minimises the need for human interaction and risk associated with intelligence gathering and offensives against criminal groups. This could extend to investigating the usage of autonomous vehicles for patrols equipped with real-time danger-detecting capabilities. For instance the United Arab Emirates is on course towards implementing self-driving patrol vehicles. Nigeria, through the Senate, has stated its move towards deploying robots and artificial intelligence to fight crime. This raises the question of security forces’ ability and technical know-how to utilise emerging technologies to fight insecurity effectively.

Today, using ICT to combat insecurity in Nigeria is an option and a necessity. By embracing innovative technologies and executing comprehensive policies, Nigeria may dramatically improve its ability to avoid, respond to, and mitigate security risks. As the country continues to invest in ICT solutions, a collaborative strategy involving government agencies, business sector stakeholders, and the public is crucial for developing a safer and more secure future. Through the identification of areas of collaboration, agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) could play a pivotal role in the utilisation of Information Technology in enhancing national security in areas such as drone technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, which limit the loss of lives and improve efficiency.