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

Mr. Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s Senior Regional Security Officer, gave the message during the 2024 Annual General Meeting of ASIS International, Chapter 273, held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Markwald spoke on this topic, “Exploiting Technology to Enhance 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 for safeguarding national security.

He pointed out that advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies could play a key role in addressing these challenges.

Advancing 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 harnessed to monitor Nigeria’s terrain, 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 may 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 provide a proactive approach to security by detecting unusual activities, such as unauthorized vehicle movements or border crossings, in real time. He also mentioned the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to alert authorities to incursions or natural disasters that could threaten national security.

Modernization of border control systems

Another key 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 that only authorized people enter or leave the country,” he said.

Markwald went on to discuss the benefits of Automated Border Control (ABC) gates, which are already in use at airports around the world.

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

He also mentioned the possibility of implementing intelligent border management systems that combine biometric data with real-time tracking of people and vehicles at the border.

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

Cyber ​​Security: A Critical Component of National Security

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

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

In his speech, Markwald recommended the adoption of advanced cybersecurity technologies, including next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and AI-based anomaly detection tools. He explained that these technologies would help identify and mitigate cyber attacks in real time, 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) that are equipped with artificial intelligence-based 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.

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 investment in these technological advances would help Nigeria protect its citizens, protect its critical infrastructure and secure its future. “Together, let us work to capitalize on these advances to create a safer Nigeria for generations to come,” he said.

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