Embrace AI, advanced surveillance to fight insecurity, CDS tells military

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged the Nigerian Armed Forces to harness emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems, to improve situational awareness and response to evolving security threats.

Oluyede said this on Friday in Kaduna while inaugurating the Nigerian Defence Academy Command Centre and three other projects at the academy.

The other projects were the expanded and remodelled RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, the newly constructed 500-capacity Ashanti Battalion Cadets’ Mess and the renovated Ribadu Auditorium.

The CDS said the changing nature of contemporary security challenges required the military to continuously adapt and deploy technology to enhance its operational effectiveness.

He said advanced technological systems would enable the Armed Forces to process information more rapidly, improve situational awareness and respond more effectively to emerging threats.

“The development of professional and effective armed forces requires sustained attention to training, structure, welfare, discipline and technological innovation,” Oluyede said.

He described the new command centre as particularly important to the academy’s security architecture, stressing that technology had become increasingly central to modern defence operations.

Oluyede said the military could not afford to ignore technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence and sophisticated surveillance systems, in its efforts to protect personnel, infrastructure and the nation.

He said the newly inaugurated facilities demonstrated the Armed Forces’ commitment to improving infrastructure, training, welfare and technological capacity.

The CDS commended the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, officers and staff of the academy for their efforts towards infrastructural and human-capacity development.

According to him, the projects also reflected the academy’s commitment to excellence in training, welfare and technological advancement.

Oluyede urged the academy’s management and beneficiaries of the facilities to ensure proper maintenance and responsible utilisation to guarantee their longevity.

He also called for accountability in the management of the facilities, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the development of the Armed Forces.

The CDS also commended the commanders, staff, contractors, suppliers, security agencies and other stakeholders who contributed to the completion of the projects.

Earlier, Olatoye said the projects represented investments in the training, development, welfare and security of cadets and the wider academy community.

Speaking specifically on the Command Centre, the commandant said it was equipped with artificial intelligence-enabled closed-circuit television surveillance technology designed to strengthen security within the academy.

He said the facility would enhance situational awareness and improve the physical security of cadets, staff and critical infrastructure.

“These projects are consistent with our broader objective of building an academy that is fit for purpose, innovative, secure and responsive to the demands of contemporary military training and education,” Olatoye said.

He explained that the renovated Ribadu Auditorium followed a fire outbreak on July 9, 2026, while the expanded parade ground would provide improved facilities for ceremonial activities, military drills and other academy events.

Olatoye added that the new cadets’ mess would enhance welfare and dining arrangements for cadets and provide an environment for professional interaction and the inculcation of discipline.