Nigeria is intensifying efforts to modernise its military capabilities with the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced anti-drone technology into the country’s defence architecture.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) made this known when he led a high-level delegation to Monaco to conclude discussions on the multi-domain Hybrid Intelligence Shield (HIS) project.
According to the minister, the move is aimed at strengthening border security, protecting urban centres, and improving responses to emerging security threats across the country.
Musa said the project was expected to introduce AI-powered surveillance systems capable of rapidly identifying threats through smart algorithms, while also deploying anti-drone technology designed to intercept and neutralise unmanned aerial threats.
The minister said the government also plans to establish national and regional command-and-control centres to enable real-time coordination and response to security incidents. He added that the initiative would prioritise technology transfer and local capacity development through the establishment of a military “Centre of Excellence” in Nigeria.
Musa said the government would leverage partnerships with international firms, including Marss UK Ltd, while focusing on building indigenous capabilities to tackle insurgency, illegal mining, piracy, and other security challenges.
Nigeria is currently battling persistent security threats in recent years, including insurgency in the north-east, banditry and mass kidnappings in the north-west, farmer-herder conflicts in the northcentral region, oil theft in the Niger Delta, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Security experts have increasingly called for the adoption of advanced technology, including drones, AI-powered surveillance, and integrated intelligence systems, to improve military operations.
