Governor Zulum Advocates for AI and Technology in National Security Overhaul
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has issued a compelling call for a fundamental transformation in Nigeria's security strategies, emphasizing the critical need to incorporate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to effectively counter escalating threats. Speaking at the Kogi Security Summit held on Tuesday in Abuja, Zulum argued that relying solely on conventional security measures is insufficient to dismantle the sophisticated networks operated by criminal elements across the nation.
Integrating Modern Tech for Enhanced Surveillance
Governor Zulum highlighted specific technological tools that could revolutionize security operations. He advocated for the deployment of surveillance drones, biometric tracking systems, and predictive analytics to proactively identify and prevent potential attacks before they occur. "For us to address the insecurity, we need to possess modern technological warfare; technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics are now deployed to combat crime," Zulum stated, underscoring the urgency of adopting these innovations to stay ahead of adversaries.
Collective Responsibility and Community Involvement
Beyond technological advancements, Zulum stressed that security is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government agencies. He urged Nigerian citizens to actively participate in safeguarding their communities by engaging in intelligence gathering and supporting community policing initiatives. "Own the issues of insecurity," he encouraged, pointing out that public cooperation is essential for creating a more secure environment and reducing reliance on formal security forces alone.
Addressing Root Causes of Insecurity
Governor Zulum also called on authorities to tackle the underlying socio-economic factors that fuel insecurity. He identified poverty, unemployment, hunger, and inadequate infrastructure as key drivers that make communities vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups. "While it is critical to purchase equipment such as vehicles, MRAPS, drones and other facilities to confront the insecurity, but most importantly, without addressing the underlying factors such as poverty, road infrastructures, agriculture, among others, insecurity will not end," Zulum explained. He recommended allocating funds specifically to improve these areas to foster long-term stability.
Further elaborating, Zulum noted, "Understanding the socio-economic and political dimensions of every crisis is very important. Increasing poverty, climate vulnerabilities, infrastructural deficit, illiteracy, among others, have to be addressed if we want security in our communities." He emphasized that sustainable peace and development are intrinsically linked to security, stating, "The security of lives and property is the cardinal objective of any administration; the nexus between peace and security cannot be overemphasised. It is only when there is security that there will be peace; and without peace, there will be no development."
Governor Zulum was accompanied at the summit by Hon. Engr Bukar Talba, the member representing Marte, Monguno Nganzai federal constituency, highlighting the collaborative effort needed across government levels to implement these proposed changes.
