By Bamigbola Olawunmi Jennifer
Nigeria is witnessing a mass exodus, especially among youths, referred to as “japa” (emigration), driven by poor living conditions and a myriad of problems. Many young people are desperate to leave the country by any means, including dangerous routes that risk human trafficking. The disillusionment with leadership, which fails to address critical issues, prompts many to seek better opportunities abroad, despite the inherent risks.
Key problems in Nigeria include severe insecurity, poverty, high unemployment, and internal conflicts, further exacerbated by an ongoing food crisis. The insecurity has worsened, making travel within the country perilous due to rampant kidnapping, ritual killings, and banditry. Despite government claims of investing in security, issues like farmer-herder clashes, armed banditry, and Boko Haram persist, indicating ineffective strategies and resource allocation.
Nigeria’s defense and security agencies, tasked with maintaining national security, are struggling, and in some areas, the security architecture has been compromised. Notable incidents, such as terrorists attacking the Defense Academy and abducting military officers, highlight the vulnerability of the security forces and the general populace.
To address these security challenges, Nigeria must leverage advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). Globally, AI technologies like surveillance cameras, social network analysis, biometric surveillance, data mining, satellite imagery, RFID, and geo-location devices are increasingly used to strengthen national security infrastructures. Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem can provide local solutions tailored to the country’s specific needs.
An example is the Carbon Emission Detection (CED) tracker developed by Robotic and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria. This technology uses carbon emission sensors to detect human presence in hidden locations, potentially helping to locate kidnappers and bandits. However, the deployment of such technologies depends on the approval and support of Nigeria’s defense and security authorities.
The government must engage with the tech community, fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance security measures. By investing in and adopting cutting-edge technologies, Nigeria can improve coordination among security agencies, reduce effort duplication, and ensure effective information sharing. Addressing the nation’s insecurity issues requires mobilizing human, financial, and technological resources to create a safer environment for current and future generations.