THE Federal Government has intensified efforts to modernise Nigeria’s defence architecture through the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced anti-drone technology aimed at combating emerging security threats across the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this while leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to Monaco to conclude discussions on the multi-domain Hybrid Intelligence Shield (HIS) project.
The initiative is designed to strengthen border security, safeguard urban centres, and improve the nation’s capacity to respond swiftly to evolving security challenges.
Under the proposed framework, Nigeria is expected to deploy AI-powered surveillance systems capable of rapidly identifying threats through smart algorithms and integrated intelligence analysis.
The project will also introduce sophisticated anti-drone technology intended to intercept and neutralise unmanned aerial threats.
As part of the broader security overhaul, the government plans to establish national and regional command-and-control centres to ensure real-time coordination, intelligence sharing, and rapid response to security incidents nationwide.
Musa said the initiative would place strong emphasis on technology transfer and local capacity development, including the establishment of a military “Centre of Excellence” in Nigeria to train personnel and strengthen indigenous expertise in advanced defence systems.
According to the minister, the government will leverage strategic partnerships with international firms, including Marss UK Ltd, while simultaneously building local capabilities to address insurgency, illegal mining, oil theft, piracy, and other complex security threats.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with multiple security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central region, oil theft in the Niger Delta, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Security experts have repeatedly advocated the adoption of advanced technologies such as drones, AI-powered surveillance systems, and integrated intelligence platforms to enhance military operations and improve national security outcomes.
