Nigeria to employ artificial intelligence and anti-drone technology in military overhaul

Nigeria is moving to modernize its military with AI-based surveillance and anti-drone systems, Defense Minister Christopher Musa has announced.

Musa said the plan is part of the multi-domain Hybrid Intelligence Shield project, finalized this week during a delegation visit to Munich. The goal is to strengthen border security, protect cities and respond more quickly to emerging threats.

The system will use intelligent algorithms to detect threats in real time and deploy anti-drone technology to intercept and neutralize unmanned aerial attacks. Nigeria also plans to establish national and regional command and control centers for coordinated, real-time responses.

A key part of the agreement is a military “Centre of Excellence” in Nigeria focused on technology transfer and local capacity building. Musa said partnerships with companies such as Marss UK Ltd will help, but the focus is on building local capacity to tackle insurgency, illegal mining, piracy and other security challenges.

The move comes as Nigeria faces ongoing threats from Boko Haram in the north-east, banditry and kidnappings in the north-west, farmer-herder clashes in the north-central, oil theft in the Niger Delta and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Security experts are pushing for greater use of drones, artificial intelligence surveillance and integrated intelligence to give the military an edge.

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