DECAN President Urges Nigeria to Embrace Technology, Intelligence-Led Security Operations

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, cybersecurity and the deployment of modern technology to address the country’s evolving security challenges.

The DECAN president made the call at the 2026 DECAN Conference and Awards, themed, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security.”

The president said national security could no longer be defined solely by activities on traditional battlefields, noting that threats had expanded into cyberspace, digital platforms, information networks, financial systems and other technological environments.

According to the president, terrorist organisations and criminal networks are increasingly exploiting technology for communication, recruitment, coordination and other criminal activities, making intelligence gathering and analysis more critical to national security.

The president urged Nigeria to strengthen its capacity to detect threats early, analyse information accurately, prevent attacks and respond effectively, stressing the need to move from a predominantly reactive security approach to one focused on prevention and intelligence-led operations.

The DECAN president also highlighted the importance of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, satellite surveillance, unmanned systems and secure communications, in enhancing the operational capabilities of security agencies.

However, the president cautioned that technology alone could not guarantee improved security without competent personnel, adequate training, effective institutions, sound policies and stronger inter-agency cooperation.

The president further called for improved intelligence sharing among security agencies, noting that the country’s security challenges often require coordinated responses involving the military, police, intelligence services, cybersecurity experts and financial institutions.

On the recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash, which claimed the lives of personnel and passengers, the DECAN president expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.

The president described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks associated with military aviation and called for a thorough and professional investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify lessons that could improve aviation safety, operational procedures and personnel protection.

The association also expressed solidarity with the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, urging that the sacrifices of those who died in service should lead to institutional learning and renewed commitment to safeguarding military personnel.

Addressing the role of the media in national security, the DECAN president said defence correspondents had a responsibility not only to report events but also to help Nigerians understand the changing nature of security threats.

The president stressed the need for accurate, responsible and professional reporting, particularly at a time when misinformation could spread rapidly, adding that accuracy must take precedence over speed.

While acknowledging the need to respect legitimate operational sensitivities, the president warned that national security should not be used to suppress legitimate journalism and accountability.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to professional defence journalism and constructive engagement with security institutions, promising to sustain platforms for dialogue among the military, security agencies, policymakers, technology experts, academics and the media.

It also pledged to encourage its members to deepen their understanding of emerging technologies, intelligence, cybersecurity and modern warfare, while recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions to national security and professional journalism merit commendation.

The DECAN president urged Nigeria to invest in intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, human capital, research, innovation and inter-agency cooperation to prepare for future security challenges.

The president further emphasised that the deployment of emerging technologies must be guided by law, ethics, accountability and respect for human dignity.

The address concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between the security community and the media to build a security architecture that is intelligence-driven, technology-enabled, professionally managed and accountable to the Nigerian people.