Digital intelligence: Nigeria’s new front line against insecurity
Nigeria’s evolving security landscape took center stage this morning as Nigeria’s and Africa’s first Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, appeared on the Global TV Abuja Morning Show at 8:30am to discuss the theme, “Technology and National Security: Digital Intelligence as a Tool to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria.”
The conversation comes at a critical time for the nation, as criminal networks, rebel groups and urban gangs increasingly rely on digital tools such as encrypted communications, drones, online recruitment and digital payments to coordinate their activities. Professor Ademola emphasized that security insecurity in Nigeria goes beyond physical confrontation and now exists in a hybrid space where digital intelligence determines the success of operations.
Digital intelligence: the new security imperative
In an interview, Professor Ademola explained that digital intelligence, including data analysis, cyber forensics, AI-driven surveillance, geospatial mapping and communication interception, has become the backbone of modern national security.
He noted that without digital intelligence, Nigeria would not be able to effectively predict, prevent and neutralize threats.
“Nigeria cannot control security with force alone. We have to control security with information, digital intelligence,” he said.
The Tripod Model: A Blueprint for National Security Transformation
Professor Ademola reiterated the relevance of the widely published Tripod Model, which provides a structured framework for integrating technology into Nigeria’s security architecture. This model is based on three interdependent pillars.
1. Policy and Governance
Strengthen interagency coordination, information sharing, and regulatory oversight to ensure a unified national security posture.
2. Competence and innovation
Build modern capabilities through cyber intelligence units, AI-powered surveillance, digital forensics training, and national intelligence hubs.
This pillar, he noted, is where digital intelligence resides.
3. Ethics and mobilization
Ensure that digital tools are deployed responsibly, transparently and in a way that builds public trust.
“Technology without ethics becomes a threat. Technology with ethics becomes a national asset,” he said.
Digital intelligence and state police debate
Professor Ademola also highlighted how digital intelligence strengthens the state police’s case, which he has consistently advocated in national debates.
He explained that if decentralized policing is properly regulated, states can:
– Gather detailed community-level information
– Rapid response to local threats
– Integrate digital tools tailored to your unique security realities
> “Technology strengthens state police, and state police strengthens technology.
“Synergetic effects are essential to sustainably suppress security insecurity.”
national turning point
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current security environment, Prof. Ademola noted that the new Minister of Defense has made a good start, demonstrating early efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security coordination and operational readiness. He stressed that this positive start should be matched with continued investment in digital intelligence and interagency synergies.
He concluded with a positive message:
> “Nigeria must embrace a future where technology, governance and ethics go hand in hand. When these three pillars stand firm, insecurity will lose its power.”
Publisher:
Professor Ademola is the first Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management in Nigeria and Africa.
