Stakeholders task FG on deployment of technology in intelligence gathering
By Nabilu Balarabe
Stakeholders in Yobe have called on the Federal Government to deploy modern technology in intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity.
They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Friday, while reacting to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly on the occasion of 2025 Democracy Day.
Dr Lawan Cheri, a senior lecturer with Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe, said although successes were recorded in the war against insurgency, intelligence gathering must be prioritised.
“I recommend greater investment in the use of advanced technology. Globally, security is no longer managed manually; digital tools and innovations are being leveraged to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
“In urban areas, more CCTV cameras, especially those with night vision capabilities, should be deployed.
“In rural communities, drones should be utilised for monitoring movements, especially those of bandits and insurgents,” he said.
Cheri, an expert on peace studies and conflict management, noted that intelligence sharing among sister agencies must also be improved significantly.
The expert recommended strengthening of civil-military relations to build trust among the people, security operatives and other relevant authorities.
On ease of doing business, he commended the Tinubu-led administration for supporting thousands of people with credit facilities to start their businesses.
Cheri, however, noted that the number of those supported was grossly inadequate considering Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people.
“For the economy to truly rebound, credit facilities must be made more accessible—particularly to youth, women, and rural dwellers. Interest-free or low-interest loans should be prioritised.
“The cost of credit in commercial banks and even development institutions like BOI often discourages start-ups.
“The business environment also needs to be more enabling—this includes reliable energy supply, access to markets, and clear regulatory support,” the expert said.
He also commended Tinubu for honouring several Nigerians who fought for the return of democracy in the country.
Also speaking with NAN, Alkasim Bala, General Manager, Gift FM Jalingo, called on the Federal Government to tackle the recent resurgence of insecurity, especially in the North-East.
He suggested that the Federal Government should work with advanced friendly nations and acquire modern gadgets, which would aid intelligence gathering to end insurgency.
“I am aware that the Buhari administration has acquired some of these hard and soft wares. We should use them and even acquire more to fight the insurgents.
“On the alleged foreign sponsorship of insurgency in the region, the Federal Government must investigate and take drastic measures against the perpetrators,” Bala said.
The general manager, however, commended the president for rejecting plots to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
He noted that the multi-party system currently operated by the country would guarantee opposition, a critical requirement for effective and sustainable democracy.
Bala, however, advised politicians to imbibe political ideology and shun indiscriminate defections from one party to another.
“Politicians must shun indiscriminate defections.
“It is on this note that I am calling on the National Assembly to enact laws restraining political office holders from defection.
“Anyone that defects should forfeit his seat and fresh election be conducted,” the general manager said.
Bala, a seasoned journalist, called on the president to establish a rail network in the North-East states, with emphasis on Taraba and Adamawa.
“The North-East is completely marginalised in all the sectoral reforms of the present administration.
“Look at the railway. Although four states of Bauchi, Gombe, Borno and Yobe are connected to the rail, Adamawa and Taraba are not.
“There is an urgent need to connect these two states to open them up for trade and commerce,” he said.
He also appealed to the president to ensure that Port Harcourt- Maiduguri Rail Project and Abuja-Akwanga-Gombe Road Project were commenced and completed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
Published By
Has also recently published
Solutions JournalismJune 15, 2025Bonding Fathers with Newborns: A Government’s Initiative
EnvironmentJune 14, 2025Researcher develops gender-responsive tool for climate change
AgricultureJune 14, 2025Gombe receives N60bn support from FG for agro-livestock industrial zone -Yahaya
EducationJune 14, 2025Technical education enrolment surges by 300% – NABTEB
