How the Nigerian govt can fight banditry and abductions with Internet of Things – IoT expert explains

A fresh wave of attacks across states is renewing conversations about Nigeria’s security strategy, including a recent incident in Ijiba, Kogi State, where a pastor, his wife and several others were abducted. Appearing on the Arise Morning Show, Professor Celestine Iwendi, head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things at the University of Greater Manchester, said the country must rethink its security model.

He pointed out that calls for a state of emergency on insecurity have been delayed for too long and said traditional methods are no longer enough. He explained that both frontline officers and civilians are facing more danger, while helpful technology is not being used enough.

“We can use drones, dog technology and IoT systems to reduce casualties. These tools can detect threats long before officers get there,” he said.

Professor Iwendi further argued that Nigeria needs to deploy drones, dog-based surveillance, and locally structured commando units that understand the terrain. He emphasised that foreign military assistance is expensive and unsustainable, adding that communities should be equipped to defend themselves within regulated structures.

Professor Celestine Iwendi, head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things at the University of Greater Manchester

Building a modern security backbone

The professor said the foundation of any technological approach is reliable data. He explained that without clear information on movement patterns, routes, threats and rescue pathways, advanced tools like AI and IoT cannot function effectively.

He added that AI systems rely on datasets that Nigeria has not fully developed, making it difficult to track armed groups or respond quickly to abductions. He recalled his own previous work on pipeline security, noting that many projects fail because data is either unavailable, uncollected, or compromised.

“AI is about data. Without data, nothing works. If we know where people move, where threats come from, and where groups hide, AI can target, rescue, or neutralize them,” he added.

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Professor Iwendi said Nigeria must also retrain parts of its military for gorilla-style operations, especially in forests and rural corridors where armed groups operate. He noted that improved training, combined with real-time intelligence tools, would significantly reduce casualties among soldiers and civilians.

The pressure points Nigeria must confront

The professor warned that the emerging global conflict zone is no longer centred on borders but on data. He said that once hostile groups know where people live, worship and move, targeting becomes easier. Without strong data protection, intelligence leaks also become a risk.

He added that communities lack structured defence support, making many villages vulnerable before reinforcements arrive. He argued that better use of locally recruited commandos could close this gap, since they understand the forests and escape routes.

Professor Iwendi also stressed that IoT-based monitoring of highways, bridges and remote areas can help security agencies detect unusual activity early. He noted that consistent collaboration between state governments, private partners and universities is needed to fund and sustain these systems.

“With IoT sensors monitoring highways, pipelines, and remote corridors, security agencies can detect unusual activity in real time,” Professor Iwendi said. “It allows us to see threats before they escalate and respond faster, saving lives and protecting communities.”

Key steps he outlined include:

• Deploying drones for surveillance and rapid response

• Creating regulated local commando units familiar with the terrain

• Building comprehensive national datasets for AI-driven tracking

• Using IoT sensors on highways, pipelines and remote corridors

• Retraining troops in gorilla-style operations

• Strengthening data protection and telecom-based intelligence filters

He concluded by saying that data-driven systems can save lives and give security agencies a stronger advantage against armed groups.