Damaturu: 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, while reacting to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly on the occasion of 2025 Democracy Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Lawan Cheri, a senior lecturer with Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, noted that while successes have been recorded in the war against insurgency, prioritizing intelligence gathering remains crucial. He emphasized the need for greater investment in advanced technology to manage security, suggesting the use of digital tools and innovations to enhance surveillance and response capabilities. Dr. Cheri recommended the deployment of more CCTV cameras in urban areas and the utilization of drones in rural communities to monitor movements of bandits and insurgents.
Cheri, an expert on peace studies and conflict management, highlighted the importance of improving intelligence sharing among sister agencies and strengthening civil-military relations to build trust among the people, security operatives, and other relevant authorities. He also commended the Tinubu-led administration for supporting thousands of people with credit facilities to start their businesses but noted that the support was insufficient given Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people. He advocated for more accessible credit facilities, especially for youth, women, and rural dwellers, and emphasized the need for an enabling business environment.
Alkasim Bala, General Manager of Gift FM Jalingo, also spoke with NAN and urged the Federal Government to address the resurgence of insecurity, particularly in the North-East. Bala suggested collaborating with advanced friendly nations to acquire modern gadgets for intelligence gathering. He acknowledged the previous administration’s efforts in acquiring necessary equipment and stressed the importance of investigating foreign sponsorship of insurgency and taking decisive measures against perpetrators.
Bala commended President Tinubu for rejecting attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, asserting that the multi-party system ensures opposition, which is crucial for effective democracy. He advised politicians to adhere to political ideology and avoid indiscriminate defections between parties. Bala called on the National Assembly to enact laws restraining political office holders from defecting, suggesting that defectors should forfeit their seats and trigger fresh elections.
Further, Bala emphasized the need for establishing a rail network in the North-East states, particularly in Taraba and Adamawa, to facilitate trade and commerce. He noted that, although four states are connected to the rail network, Adamawa and Taraba are not, and urged the president to ensure the commencement and completion of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Rail Project and Abuja-Akwanga-Gombe Road Project.