US embassy urges Nigeria to strengthen security with technology

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

The Embassy’s Senior Regional Security Officer, Mr. Bradley Markwald, delivered the message at ASIS International’s 2024 Annual General Meeting, Chapter 273, held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Markwald said the following on the subject: “Leveraging Technology to Improve National Security in Nigeria.”

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

He emphasized that advancing surveillance and monitoring technologies can play a critical role in overcoming these challenges.

Development of surveillance technologies for national security

Markwald emphasized the importance of using satellite-based 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 used to monitor Nigeria’s territory, 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.

According to reports, these drones can be deployed to monitor remote areas and gather intelligence on movements and activities that may pose a security threat.

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

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

Modernization of border control systems

Another important aspect of Markwald’s recommendations focused on modernizing 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 error.

“Biometric technologies such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning used in systems such as Advanced Passenger Information Systems (APIS) can quickly verify identities, ensuring only authorized individuals enter and exit the country,” he said.

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

Reports state that these gates can help simplify the border control process, making it both safe and efficient.

He also talked about the possibility of implementing Smart Border Management Systems, which combine biometric data with real-time tracking of people and vehicles at the border.

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

Cybersecurity: a critical component of national security

Markwald also emphasized the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity and cyber resilience. He noted that protecting sensitive data, critical infrastructures and digital systems from cyber threats is an important part 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 AI-powered anomaly detection tools. He explained that these technologies will help identify and mitigate cyber attacks in real time and protect Nigeria’s essential infrastructure from digital threats.

He also called for the development of a robust cyber defense infrastructure, including Security Operations Centers (SOCs) equipped with AI-driven solutions to detect and respond to cyber security threats.

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

Cooperation for a safer future: As a result, Markwald called on Nigeria to strengthen intelligence-sharing capabilities and improve crisis management and incident response efforts. He emphasized that investing in these technological advances will help Nigeria protect its citizens, preserve its critical infrastructure and secure its future. “Let us work together to leverage these advances to create a safer Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

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