Matawalle: Technology Enhances Ability to Detect, Analyse, Respond to Threats

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has said that emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, advanced imagery systems and cyber capabilities have significantly strengthened the ability of the military and other security agencies to detect, analyse and respond to threats.

He noted that the integration of modern technology with human intelligence was a central focus of deliberations at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2025.
Declaring the conference closed in Abuja yesterday, the minister said: “We must recognise that technology alone is not sufficient. The judgement, experience and dedication of our intelligence personnel remain indispensable. The true strength of our intelligence system lies in the synergy between the two—where technology amplifies human capacity and human insight guides its application.”

Matawalle added that participants had examined practical strategies for embedding multi-source intelligence into Nigeria’s security framework and reviewed case studies in which intelligence solutions prevented crises and enhanced operational outcomes.

He assured attendees that the Ministry of Defence would give due attention to the recommendations adopted at the conference and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure their effective implementation.

He encouraged the Armed Forces to continue embracing new technologies, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in intelligence operations.

Nigeria’s future security, he said, depends not on working in isolation but on building partnerships rooted in trust, shared commitment and collective responsibility.

The minister commended the Chief of Defence Intelligence and his team for successfully organising the conference, stressing that their dedication had significantly enriched national security efforts.

In his closing remarks, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, described this year’s engagement as both stimulating and rewarding.

“It provided a unique platform for defence chiefs, advisers and field commanders to share experiences, examine emerging intelligence concepts and reinforce professional bonds across national and regional security institutions,” he said.

He added, “I am confident that the conversations, papers and briefs presented have laid a solid foundation for the continued modernisation of our intelligence architecture.”

He added that the deliberations reaffirmed the need for strong synergy across Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to effectively tackle contemporary threats that continue to grow in complexity and scale.

Undiandeye urged participants to apply the lessons learned and sustain the momentum generated throughout the conference.