Lawmakers Call for Drones, Tech-Driven War on Terror
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – The Senate on Tuesday called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the Federal Government to deploy drones and other advanced technology in the fight against terrorism.
The call came following the killing of over 65 people in Niger State.
The lawmakers said the scale and brutality of the attack underscored the need for a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach to combating violent criminal groups.
The resolution followed deliberations on a motion concerning the recent massacre and abductions in the Konkoso district of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Senators condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, and observed a moment of reflection for the victims.
During the debate, several lawmakers stressed that conventional security methods have proven insufficient against increasingly mobile and technologically savvy terrorist groups.
They argued that Nigeria must embrace modern surveillance systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to track and neutralize threats before they escalate.
The Senate specifically urged the Federal Government to restructure ongoing security operations to incorporate drones, real-time intelligence gathering, and improved reconnaissance capabilities. Lawmakers said such tools would enhance rapid response, particularly in remote and forested areas where many attacks occur.
In addition to technological upgrades, the upper chamber called for stronger inter-agency collaboration among security and intelligence outfits. Senators noted that better coordination and seamless information sharing would significantly improve efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across state boundaries.
The lawmakers also emphasized the need to protect vulnerable rural communities, which they said have borne the brunt of repeated attacks. They warned that continued insecurity could worsen displacement, disrupt farming activities, and deepen humanitarian challenges in affected regions.
Several senators expressed concern over the abduction of women and children during the attack, urging security agencies to prioritize rescue efforts. They maintained that beyond kinetic operations, authorities must adopt preventive strategies that address early warning signs and community intelligence.
The Senate further called on the Federal Government to provide relief and support to families affected by the tragedy. Lawmakers said immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term rehabilitation measures would help cushion the socio-economic impact on the victims and their communities.
Concluding the session, the Senate reaffirmed its commitment to backing policies and funding initiatives aimed at strengthening national security. Lawmakers insisted that leveraging technology and modern warfare tools is no longer optional but essential in confronting terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the country.