Africa’s most populous nation and biggest economy is engaged in one of the most severe terror threats on the continent, perpetrated by Islamist fundamentalists..

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) seeks to tap into the power of AI and other emerging technologies in fighting terror and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.

Africa’s most populous nation and biggest economy is engaged in one of the most severe terror threats on the continent, perpetrated by Islamist fundamentalists.

This week, NAF held the Communications Information Systems (CIS) conference at its headquarters in the capital, Abuja, to map the way forward against terror, and violent crime in general.

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, chief of the Air Staff, noted the power of technology would determine the air force’s operational effectiveness and efficiency.

“A deep focus on AI can revolutionise how we process data, analyse information and make informed decisions in real-time, thereby giving us the edge that we need to excel in theatres of operations around the country,” he said.

Abubakar was speaking at the conference, held under the theme: ‘Exploiting Emerging CIS Technologies for an Agile and Resilient NAF, to Effectively Meet National Security Imperatives’.

Abubakar, who has been at the helm since June, when the administration of President Bola Tinubu assumed office, said technological advancements were a priority for NAF.

He assured the force was prioritising research and development, as well as leveraging cutting-edge technology and forming strategic partnerships.

The conference in Abuja drew the participation of stakeholders, including the National Information Technology Development Agency, National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Communications Satellite and Nigerian Communications Commission.