FG Sets To Deploy Drones In Nigeria’s Borders

• Nigeria plans to deploy drones, in collaboration with Huawei, for border security, emphasizing intelligence gathering and real-time monitoring to enhance security measures
• Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) aims to address border challenges, focusing on combating human smuggling as a serious transnational crime

In a bid to enhance border security, the federal government has revealed its intentions to deploy drones to monitor and safeguard the extensive borders of Nigeria.

Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), made this announcement during a press conference on Tuesday, outlining the activities planned for this year’s International Migrants’ Day.

Adepoju disclosed that the Federal Government is in talks with the Chinese tech giant, Huawei, to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) for bolstering border security measures.

Addressing concerns raised over the use of drones in the wake of the accidental bombing in Kaduna, Adepoju clarified that these drones would be utilized solely for monitoring and relaying information in real time. She emphasized that the focus is on surveying and intelligence gathering, with additional ground personnel in place.

“We don’t use bombs; ours is to survey and gather intelligence. We also have boots on the ground,” she assured, underscoring the Service’s commitment to improving existing measures for the security of Nigeria’s borders.

Discussing the challenges posed by smugglers, Adepoju highlighted that the NIS had apprehended over 522 human traffickers and their victims in 2023. She characterized human smuggling as a serious transnational crime that not only exploits vulnerable individuals but also undermines national borders and security.

Adepoju emphasized the significance of International Migrants’ Day in rallying efforts to combat crime, protect migrants, and address the root causes contributing to human smuggling networks. She affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preventing and combating such activities, prioritizing the welfare and dignity of its citizens.

The week-long activities planned for International Migrants’ Day will involve a sensitization program in parks, schools, and other public places across the country, fostering awareness and understanding of the importance of border security and the fight against human smuggling.