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By Fatima Shaba Musa
Experts on Wednesday called for the integration of satellite technology to address insecurity challenges.
They made the recommendation at the 10th retired Brig.-Gen. Michael Agu annual lecture organised by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers (NISEng) in Abuja.
The lecture had its theme as: “Reconnaissance Satellites and National Security: Applying Satellite Resources to Counter Multi-Dimensional Insurgency in Nigeria.”
Dr Emeka Ogbuju, Dean, School of Computing, Miva Open University, said satellite-derived data could be transformed through computing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision into meaningful intelligence for security decision-making.
According to him, satellite imagery provides geographical and environmental context that can be combined with human, signal, open-source and measurement intelligence.
Ogbuju identified image classification, object detection and change detection as key analytical processes for extracting useful information from satellite imagery.
He said the integration of multiple intelligence sources would help security agencies develop a common intelligence picture and improve early warning, threat assessment and operational planning.
The expert identified institutional data silos as a major challenge, noting that relevant information was often held separately by different agencies.
He called for secure and interoperable systems that would connect relevant datasets while respecting privacy, access controls, cybersecurity requirements and applicable laws.
Ogbuju also stressed that artificial intelligence should serve as an analytical assistant rather than an autonomous decision-maker.
“Artificial Intelligence should now be viewed as an analytical assistant, not an autonomous decision maker,” he said.
He said AI could process large datasets, identify patterns, detect anomalies and classify imagery, while human analysts remained responsible for interpretation and professional judgment.
Ogbuju recommended investment in computing infrastructure, secure data systems, human capacity and effective governance to maximise the security value of Nigeria’s satellite resources.
Maj.-Gen. Philip Ilodibia, Chief of Defence Space Administration (DSA), said the agency recognised collaboration and partnership as critical to achieving national objectives in the space sector.
He said the country operated in a resource-constrained environment, making collaboration necessary.
He said the agency,’s mandate was to provide space-based solutions and products in support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
Sen. Boroffice Ajayi, pioneer Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) called for the improved development of AI systems by African countries.
According to him, Africa should not be only consumers of AI systems developed in other climes.
He said that indigenous AI systems could better handle the continent’s security challenges. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Uche Anunne
English (US) ·