“We Can’t Continue Fighting 21st Century Threats With Outdated Methods” — Security Expert, Nkemdirim | VIDEO

A former Director of Operations of the Department of State Services (DSS), Chief Ray Nkemdirim (Rtd.), has called for a technology-driven approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that proactive intelligence and modern security tools are essential to combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other emerging threats.

Chief Nkemdirim made the call while delivering his contribution at the First South East Security Summit held at the Ochendo International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State.

The summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” was organized by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East).

Speaking on the country’s security situation, the retired security chief acknowledged that the Federal Government has introduced several measures in recent years, including discussions on state policing, expansion of military formations, and the establishment of forest guards. However, he emphasized that security responses should be proactive rather than reactive.

According to him, Nigeria must place greater emphasis on technology and intelligence gathering to achieve faster and more effective security outcomes.

Chief Nkemdirim recalled that during the height of Boko Haram attacks between 2009 and 2010, Nigeria lacked the technological capability to monitor terrorists’ communications, resulting in frequent bombings of strategic locations, including the United Nations building, Police Headquarters, military facilities, and media organizations in Abuja. He noted that the situation improved significantly after the country acquired communication monitoring capabilities.

He further urged the government to invest in advanced technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and modern surveillance systems, arguing that such tools would reduce the exposure of security personnel to unnecessary risks during operations.

The retired DSS official also recounted previous efforts to procure advanced border surveillance technology from a Turkish vendor, noting that although the proposed system carried a cost of about 20 billion US dollars, Nigeria must begin making strategic investments in technology to strengthen national security.

Drawing comparisons with modern global conflicts, he observed that contemporary warfare increasingly relies on drones, missiles, and other advanced technologies rather than conventional troop deployments.

He warned that criminal groups and terrorists are becoming more technologically sophisticated and urged Nigeria to respond with equal innovation.

Chief Nkemdirim concluded by calling for the effective deployment of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance intelligence gathering, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.