Defence Minister, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has expressed the need to utilize technology in order to reclaim the forests currently serving as hideouts for criminals across Nigeria. Magashi spoke at the 12th National Security Seminar of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Emphasizing that Nigeria cannot maintain the status quo while warfare and technology advance rapidly, the minister announced that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has made significant progress in manufacturing drones, light weapons, vehicles, and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. He called for the acceleration of these efforts through the rapid implementation of government policies promoting technological development in the security sector.
Magashi lauded the armed forces and various security agencies for establishing research and development centers, cyber security outfits, and producing valuable initiatives and products. He highlighted the Defence Research Development Bureau (DRDB) and Defence Space Administration as examples of technology-driven agencies taking commendable steps in the right direction.
The Defence Minister stressed the importance of dominating cyberspace, demystifying forests as havens for criminals, and ensuring effective collaboration among security agencies in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Additionally, he praised AANDEC for creating a conducive atmosphere for debates on development by leveraging the knowledge of well-trained top military officers. Magashi emphasized that technology application in managing national security challenges is a global trend that countries invest heavily in through research, technology, and innovation.
National Security Adviser (NSA) retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, represented by Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Ndagi, highlighted the role of technology as a force multiplier in the current security landscape and encouraged AANDEC to continue researching contemporary national security issues and providing actionable recommendations.
