Akpabio raises alarm over increasingly complex national security challenges
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern on Monday about the evolving complexities of Nigeria’s national security landscape, stating, “We have witnessed events that challenge the stability and core of our nationhood.”
Speaking at the 2024 Defence Advisers and Attachés Conference in Abuja, Akpabio, represented by Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, underscored the critical role of intelligence in guiding leadership to protect citizens and advance national interests.
“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,” he said. Akpabio further urged the use of technology in security strategy, emphasizing that effective defense must consider technological advancements ethically and within international law.
Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle highlighted the need for adapting intelligence practices amid a fast-evolving landscape. He outlined plans to integrate AI, machine learning, and human analytics into intelligence operations, stating, “These innovations help process vast data and uncover patterns critical to addressing emerging security threats.”
Matawalle reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focused on job creation, inclusivity, and fighting poverty. “Our collective efforts are aimed at realizing this vision for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General Akomaye Parker Undiandeye praised the Armed Forces’ achievements in curbing terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, and vandalism. He acknowledged challenges posed by regional instability, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, noting, “Our task is to provide accurate intelligence to support Nigeria’s security objectives, knowing that today’s threats do not define our future.”
The conference, themed “Exploring the Role of Technology in Strengthening National and Regional Security,” emphasized the integration of advanced technologies into intelligence practices. Undiandeye encouraged Defence Advisers and Attachés to utilize insights from their areas of operation to bolster Nigeria’s security capabilities. He concluded, “I am confident this conference will enhance your abilities to identify and facilitate the acquisition of critical technologies for our national security and defense.”
