The Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things has called on the Nigerian Government to urgently adopt modern technology including Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence as a central pillar of its security strategy against banditry, mass abductions and rural terrorism.
Responding to recent attacks and rising insecurity in several regions of the country in Arise TV, the Head of the Centre, Professor Celestine Iwendi, stated that Nigeria is fighting twenty first century security threats with twentieth century tools.
Professor Celestine said:
“Technology is now the front line. If we do not use intelligent systems to see, to sense and to predict, we will always arrive after the damage has been done. Nigeria needs real time data, smart sensors and intelligent surveillance to protect its people.”
Iwendi warned that the absence of a robust national data infrastructure is limiting the effectiveness of conventional security operations. He emphasised that Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things solutions cannot perform optimally without accurate and timely information on movement patterns, high risk routes and known or potential hiding locations.
The advisory from Iwendi recommends that the Nigerian Government should:
- Deploy Artificial Intelligence enabled drones for aerial surveillance of forests, highways and border communities
- Install Internet of Things sensors along vulnerable corridors to detect suspicious movements and unusual activity
- Support security teams with digital tools for quicker response and better situational awareness
- Build a national intelligence data platform to integrate information from multiple agencies and regions
- Strengthen community reporting through secure digital channels connected to a central command system
Professor Celestine added:
“We cannot continue to send brave men and women into danger without intelligence support. Technology saves lives. Internet of Things saves lives. Nigeria must modernise its security strategy now if we want a different outcome.”
The Centre of Intelligence of Things has expressed its readiness to work with the Federal Government, defence and security agencies, and state authorities to design and support a smart security framework that uses Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and data analytics to enhance national safety.
About the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh)
The Centre of Intelligence of Things is a research and innovation centre focused on Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, data analytics and intelligent systems. The Centre works with governments, industry and academia to apply advanced technologies to real world challenges in security, health, trade, energy and society.