FG Moves to Deploy Technology to Protect Defence Infrastructure

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, declared yesterday that the federal government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to protect the nation’s defence infrastructure.

He said in an evolving world where advancement in technology was reshaping the landscape of national security, it was imperative that the nation adapted and innovated to effectively protect its the defence infrastructure.

This came as the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Shinkafi, said as part of its mandate, Defence Space Administration had conducted research into space vehicles and satellites, protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace as well as provision of satellite imageries and remote sensing data to our field units.

He said “all of these are aimed at helping in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria”.

The minister said as part of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, government was committed to

containing threats to national security and protect the nation’s defence infrastructure.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, where advancements in technology are reshaping the landscape of national security, it is imperative that we adapt and innovate to effectively protect our defence infrastructure.

“As we have witnessed the emergence of new and sophisticated threats, ranging from cyber-attacks to space-based challenges, it is crucial that we stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of emerging technologies to fortify our defences and ensure the security of our nation”, he said.

The minister, who spoke at a seminar organised by the Defence Space Administration in Abuja themed: “Protecting Nigeria’s Defence Infrastructure: The Roles of Emerging Technology”, said it underscored the pivotal role that emerging technologies play in enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of our defence systems.

“From artificial intelligence and machine learning to quantum computing and space-based technologies, the possibilities are endless for us to leverage upon so as to strengthen our defence infrastructure and safeguard our nation’s sovereignty”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Shinkafi, said as part of its mandate, Defence Space Administration had conducted research into space vehicles and satellites, protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace as well as provision of satellite imageries and remote sensing data to our field units.

“The DSA is mandated to provide resilient and affordable space and cyberspace capabilities for the protection of the defence infrastructure of the nation through a robust support for the armed forces, other security and law enforcement agencies.

“Since its establishment, the administration has been making efforts towards actualising its mandate. These includes research into space vehicles and satellites, protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace as well as provision of satellite imageries and remote sensing data to our field units. All of these are aimed at helping in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria”, he said.