Tackling Kidnapping, Banditry In Nigeria Using Space Tech & ICTs
“Buhari approves N 4.844b to advanced modern space technology infrastructure”
By Urube Peter
The Senior Assistance to president Muhammadu Buhari on infrastructure, Ahmed Rufia has stated that the President’s wisdom to push for more investment in research and development in science space technology necessitated the approval of $ 86.5m to build, upgrade and procured more infrastructures to enhance the personnel ultima performance using modern space technology to secure Nigeria.
Rufia reitrated Government resolve to support space agencies; such as NASRDA, NASENI, NIGCOMSAT and all other agencies of security including Armed Forces to achieved maximum result.
This was made at this year 11th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers 2021 held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The keynote speaker, Brig. General Sani Usman (rtd), who is also the consultant and erstwhile Director Corporate Affairs and information services at Nigeria Army Resources Centre, Abuja narrated a shocking incident of kidnapping that happened early hours of the day in his community Katsina State where his immediate family narrowly escaped.
He called on security agencies to collaborate in combating insecurity, and to the government at all levels to do more.
Sani attributed spate of occurrences to unscrupulous people who are compromising or benefitting from the ugly incidents.
He Sighted occasion where some politicians will call and discouraged terrorist leaders not to surrender.
Engr Usman went further to support the ideas of engaging hunters and civilian joint task force, JTF for optimum intelligent gatherings as they’re familiar with the environment in order to achieved safety.
When asked of the situation where these method failed as a result of conniving activities of JTF, Usman yet encouraged the security personnel to ensure proper training, reorientation/education and scrutiny to address the situation.
In an Engr Dr Okpanchi George Echiye, National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers said the event is aimed at finding lasting solution through space technology to counter the menace of kidnapping, banditry and insurgency.
He emphasized the need for more satellites to cover more ground thanking Mr president for his response at this time.
“With this $86.5m approval Nigerians should expect better results from space technology, we’ve the capacity”, Engr Echiye stated.
Also, the special guest of honour, Engr kashim Abdul Ali, reiterated the ability of Nigerian police and military has all it takes to counter insurgency in Nigeria.
He called on government to developed ICT centres everywhere, that what ever investment in ICT is worth the while.
The representative of director general, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA assured critical stakeholders of INEC, NNPC, NIMC NPC, their deliberate efforts to ensure more security for this nation.
The inspector general of police, IGP Usman Alkali ably represented by commissioner of police, CP Sikiru Kayode Akande suggested the way to go by establishing ICT centres everywhere mounting CCTV on telecommunications masks it’ll help a great deal in preventing crimes because they moment the criminals know their identity has been captured they’ll run into hidden. He passionately appealed for synergy among security agencies to combat and conquered security challenges in our country.
