Dare Babalola
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has defended his proposal to deploy advanced drone technology as a central component of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He argued that modern warfare and national defence require innovation rather than bureaucracy.
In a statement on Saturday, Sowore said his vision for national security would prioritise a technologically driven, drone-based defence system capable of monitoring Nigeria’s borders, tracking criminal elements, and supporting security operations in real time.
The former presidential candidate explained that the drones would not merely serve surveillance functions but would also provide intelligence gathering, rapid-response capabilities, search-and-rescue support, and logistical assistance to security personnel operating across the country.
According to him, such systems could be used to deliver food, medical supplies, communication equipment and other essential materials to troops in remote locations, thereby reducing operational delays and improving efficiency.
Sowore criticised what he described as the reliance on traditional bureaucratic structures in addressing insecurity, insisting that technological solutions offer a more effective approach to combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“The future of national security lies in technology, efficiency, accountability and precision, not endless bureaucracy, corruption and excuses,” he said.
He further argued that Nigeria must embrace modern tools to safeguard its territorial integrity, secure its borders and provide stronger support for security personnel tasked with defending the country.
Sowore, however, stressed that the deployment of advanced security technology should remain subject to the rule of law and appropriate civilian oversight.
“The future is innovation,” he added.
