The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has raised fresh concerns over the growing sophistication of bandits and insurgents operating in Nigeria, revealing that they now deploy drones and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to track military personnel and equipment.
Zulum made this disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising event held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
According to the governor, the evolving tactics of terrorists in the North-East region have made the fight against insecurity more complex, as these groups now leverage advanced technology to monitor and target troops on the battlefield.
“Bandits and terrorists now deploy advanced drones and artificial intelligence tools to locate troops and military equipment,” he stated.
Zulum emphasized the urgent need for continuous upgrades in Nigeria’s security infrastructure, including modern equipment, intelligence systems, and specialized training for security personnel. He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between citizens and government authorities in tackling the country’s security challenges.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Kogi State as a link between the northern and southern regions, Zulum urged the state government to strengthen its security framework to ensure safety and economic stability.
“We need intelligence-driven networks and systems to fight insecurity. When Kogi suffers, the entire nation feels the impact,” he added.
In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against negotiating with criminal elements. Instead, he pledged increased investment in modern surveillance technologies and enhanced support for security agencies to decisively confront insecurity.
The summit, chaired by former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, aims to raise ₦500 billion to strengthen Kogi State’s security architecture, expand operational coverage, and improve the capacity of security agencies.
