Defence minister seeks adoption of AI, other technologies to tackle insecurity

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has advocated for a greater adoption of artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and other cutting-edge technologies to bolster Nigeria's ability to confront evolving security threats. At a defence ministry colloquium in Abuja, Musa stressed that the changing nature of contemporary threats necessitated continuous reevaluation of the country's defence capabilities and the incorporation of technologies that could augment military operations.

These technologies include AI, unmanned systems, surveillance and reconnaissance, and cyber capabilities, which he highlighted as being instrumental in transforming military operations. Musa emphasized that "our defence architecture must remain agile and forward-looking, with the capacity to anticipate threats, respond decisively, and safeguard Nigeria's territorial integrity and vital national interests."

He underscored that technology is increasingly becoming a pivotal factor in defence and national security, as rapid advancements in AI, unmanned systems, surveillance, cyber capabilities, and other emerging technologies are reshaping the military landscape. "Nigeria must, therefore, stay ahead of these developments by investing in relevant technologies and fortifying the human, doctrinal, and institutional capacities needed to integrate them into our defence capabilities," Musa said.

The Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, explained that the policy colloquium aimed to serve as a non-partisan platform for defense strategists, policy architects, technologists, civil society leaders, academics, the media, and other key state actors to discuss challenges and develop actionable solutions for national resilience.

Solomon Odeniyi, a journalist at Punch Newspapers, reported on the event, focusing on anti-corruption and related issues.