Insecurity: Military Veterans Advocate Technology-driven Armed Forces

Military Veterans and tech enthusiasts have called for radical transformation of the Nigerian Armed Forces through integration of modern technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and local capacity development to enhance national security.

They made the call at the ongoing Nigeria Security and Defence Expo (NISECEXPO 2025), organised in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Abuja.

The three-day exhibition and conference with the theme “Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-up Capabilities”, brought together stakeholders from across Africa and Europe to explore innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges.

Former Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu,(Rtd) described the expo as “a well-packaged showcase for future wars” and stressed the importance of preparing African defence industries for the 21st century.

He highlighted the need for Nigeria to harness its abundant natural resources and deploy modern technology in defence production.

He said, “The enemy is thinking fast and occupying more ground. Non-state actors are playing an inimical role to national development and security.

“This exhibition has allowed participants to share expertise and actionable solutions from Israel, Ukraine and beyond, so that Nigeria and Africa can leverage them to strengthen defence production.

“With the incorporation of AI and drones into Nigeria’s defence architecture, I expect that within the next one or two years, our Armed Forces will be better equipped to tackle the myriad of security challenges across the country.”

The General Ezugwu commended the administration for signing the DICON Act into law, noting that “the move provides teeth and bites” to the industry and ensures local capacity can support operational efficiency.

An international expert, Prof. Roberto Mugavero, also the president of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, praised the platform for fostering collaboration.

Nugavero said the expo provided a rare opportunity to link research, academia and military-civilian operations.

He said, “Events like this create vital links between private research, public research and responders, the military and civilian personnel alike.

“It allows knowledge-sharing that enhances preparedness and cooperation for complex scenarios, whether conflict or natural disaster.”

The co-host of NISECEXPO 2025, Mr Frank Ohwofa, described the expo as “a catalyst for the Nigerian Armed Forces’ transition from conventional approaches to a more technology-driven operational paradigm.”

According to him, criminals and terrorists are using new technologies, adding that the Nigerian military and security agencies must adapt and even outpace the enemies.

Ohwofa said the event was part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigeria’s defence industry becomes self-reliant, responsive and capable of meeting evolving security threats, while fostering regional collaboration.

He added that “exhibitions like NISECEXPO bring together inventors, scientists and academics to equip the military with innovative solutions.

“This is not a time for talk; it is a time to see tangible results on the ground.”