Ndume Blames Security Gaps On Lack Of Satellite Coverage

The senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has attributed Nigeria’s security challenges to insufficient satellite coverage, stating that the nation’s limited technological resources hinder the real-time tracking of criminals.

Ndume stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

He cited the case of a missing general to illustrate the problem, stating that Nigeria is unable to trace a general who is missing in action.

“You can Google my position or even use Google Maps to see a location. However, that does not mean we can see what is happening in real-time from our satellites, not even in a studio, let alone in sensitive security situations.

“You know, one of the fundamental problems in our security sector is that we can’t track criminals in real time. Nigeria has only four operational satellites, and one of them is experiencing issues. Four satellites are significant, but they are not adequate to solve the country’s security challenges,” Ndume said.
He emphasised the need for technology and intelligence in addressing the country’s challenges related to insurgency and terrorism.

According to him, real-time tracking requires multiple satellites in orbit, a capacity Nigeria currently lacks.

Ndume stressed the importance of collaboration with technologically advanced nations to fill the gap, urging Nigeria to work with countries like China, Russia, France, and the US, which have numerous satellites, while Nigeria only has four.

“This warfare we are facing cannot be tackled with bare hands and guns alone. We need technological support and real-time intelligence. Nigeria must acknowledge its deficiencies and take action to correct them. It is shameful that a few thousand terrorists can terrorise a population of over 200 million.

“If we had the capacity, cases like the Chibok girls kidnapping could have been better managed. America was able to give us information because it had satellites monitoring the situation. We don’t have that capability.

“We only have aerial images and limited UAVs, Tucanos, and attack helicopters. None of these can function effectively without proper satellite coverage,” he said.

The senator also criticised the excessive security attached to political figures and VIPs, saying it is an abuse of office and diverts resources from the general population.

“Some ministers have police attached to their wives and children. This is wrong. Securing Abuja or personalities while ordinary citizens remain vulnerable is unacceptable. If you secure the nation, people should feel safe walking in their neighbourhoods,” he said.

He described President Tinubu’s decision to withdraw police from VIP protection as one of the most commendable actions in recent times. “This should be implemented effectively. Security resources should prioritise the safety of all citizens, not just a select few,” Ndume said.