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 in his boss’s wisdom to pushed 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 said this’s what necessitated his been present in this important event to continue the support to space agencies; such as NASRDA, NASENI, NIGCOMSAT and all other agencies of security including Armed Forces to achieved maximum result.
This emphasized was made at this year 11th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers 2021 held in Abuja.
On his part, the keynote speaker, Brig. General Sani Usman (rtd), the consultant Director Corporate Affairs and information services at Nigeria Army Resources Centre, Abuja after shocking his audience of incident of kidnapping that happened early hours of the day which was the first time ever in his community Katsina State his immediate family narrowly escaped them, he called on security agencies to collaborate in combating insecurity, and to the government at all levels to do more specifically in addressing instances of some people who’re compromising on benefit derived from unscrupulous elements in the society. He Sighted occasion where some politicians will call and discouraged terrorist leaders not to surrendered because once they (insurgents) do, it’ll mean peace, good governance, proper accountability and they can no longer use such strategy to siphon public funds and scores cheap political points within their circle. 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 society.
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 responding to interview, Engr Dr Okpanchi George Echiye, National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers, emphasized, we’re here today in order to source for lasting solution through space technology to counter the menace of kidnapping, banditry and insurgency. We need more satellites to cover more ground and we equally thanked 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.
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 be it physical or social. He called on government to developed ICT centres everywhere, that what ever investment in ICT is worth 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.