Insecurity: Experts advocate deployment of drones

Surveyors under the auspices of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and security experts including Ade Abolurin, retired commandant-general, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have tasked President Muhammadu Buhari on the use of drones and effective mapping system in fighting insurgency and other forms of insecurity especially around the border areas.

The experts at a symposium on security challenges organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, (NIS) Ogun chapter in honour of its former chairman, Adefemi Sanyaolu, in Abeokuta, agreed that it would be a lot easier fighting the current insurgency with updated mapping system and deployment of drones as surveillance.

Speaking specifically on insecurity around Nigerian borders, Ade Abolurin argued that the borders were porous and required the collaboration of the armed forces and the office of the surveyor-general who should assist with the mapping system.

Represented by Akinwande Aboluwoye, commandant, NSCDC in Ogun State, the retired commandant-general noted that poor performance of mapping system in the country had created room for illegal activities along the borderlines and aggravated insurgency in form of Boko Haram, saying it was high time Nigeria improved on her surveillance and security measures.

Abolurin who disclosed that the NSCDC had trained its men on the use of drones tackling insecurity, added that updated mappings, effective surveying and drones would not only prevent insecurity, but would also help in resolving land-based crises among warring ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“It is very imperative for the military to be in contact and in consultation with the office of the surveyor-general in the area of proper surveying and mappings in order to effectively tackle insecurity, insurgency, especially Boko Haram and other terror activities.

Tunji Adegunle, chairman of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Ogun chapter, said, “insurgency has become the most topical issue of discourse in Nigeria today. The most notable security challenges in Nigeria are Boko Haram, kidnapping, oil theft, Fulani herdsmen and vandalisation of pipelines.

“The use of updated maps derived from images from satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle (drones) and others is a vital tool to fight insurgency. The continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system will be an effective way of strategising against enemy,” said Adegunle.

RAZAQ AYINLA