The US Embassy in Abuja has advised the Nigerian government to harness the power of technology to strengthen its security framework and build a safer and more resilient country.

Mr. Bradley Markwald, Senior Regional Security Officer of the Embassy, ​​delivered the message during the 2024 Annual General Meeting of ASIS International, Chapter 273, held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Markwald spoke on the subject, “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen National Security in Nigeria.” »

In his speech, Markwald explained that Nigeria’s vast population, rich resources and vast geography present both significant challenges and unique opportunities to safeguard national security.

He stressed that advances in surveillance and tracking technologies could play a critical role in addressing these challenges.

Advancing Surveillance Technologies for National Security

Markwald stressed the importance of using satellite imagery to monitor large areas in real time.

He noted that platforms such as NigeriaSat-X and the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program could be leveraged to monitor Nigeria’s land, borders and critical infrastructure.

He also discussed the potential of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), equipped with thermal imaging and AI-powered tracking software.

These drones, according to reports, could be deployed to monitor remote areas and gather intelligence on movements and activities that could pose security threats.

In addition to drones, Markwald proposed the integration of sensor networks along Nigeria’s borders, highways and ports.

He explained that these sensors could offer a proactive approach to security by detecting unusual activities in real time, such as unauthorized vehicle movements or border crossings. He also discussed the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to alert authorities of incursions or natural disasters that could threaten national security.

Modernizing border control systems

Another key aspect of Markwald’s recommendations concerned the modernization of Nigeria’s border control systems. He argued that the adoption of advanced electronic border management systems could improve the accuracy of border controls and reduce human errors.

“Biometric technologies such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning used in systems such as advanced passenger information systems (APIS) can quickly verify identities, ensuring that only authorized people enter or exit the country,” he said.

Markwald then discussed the benefits of Automated Border Control (ABC) gates, which are already in use at airports around the world.

Reports indicate that these gates could help simplify the border control process, making it both secure and efficient.

He also raised the possibility of implementing intelligent border management systems combining biometric data with real-time tracking of individuals and vehicles at the border.

According to Markwald, such systems would significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to manage immigration and trade flows without compromising security.

Cybersecurity: an essential component of national security

Markwald also stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity and cyber resilience. He stressed that protecting sensitive data, critical infrastructure and digital systems from cyber threats is a crucial element of national security.

“Advanced encryption protocols such as AES-256 encryption and quantum cryptography are essential to protecting Nigeria’s most sensitive government and corporate data,” he said.

In his speech, Markwald recommended the adoption of advanced cybersecurity technologies, including next-generation firewalls (NGFW), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and data-based anomaly detection tools. AI. He explained that these technologies would help identify and mitigate cyberattacks in real time, thereby protecting Nigeria’s key infrastructure from digital threats.

He also called for the development of a robust cyber defense infrastructure, including security operations centers (SOCs) equipped with AI-based solutions to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.

He suggested that the National Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) could adopt advanced cyber defense systems, such as FireEye’s Network Security and Forensics, to provide real-time threat detection and response.

Collaborating for a safer future: In conclusion, Markwald urged Nigeria to strengthen its intelligence sharing capabilities and improve its crisis management and incident response efforts. He stressed that investing in these technological advancements would help Nigeria protect its citizens, safeguard its critical infrastructure and secure its future. “Together, let us work to build on these advances to create a more secure Nigeria for generations to come,” he said.

---

Follow us for the latest news and market insights.