Tech-Savvy Former Minister Advises FG on Using Modern Tech to Tackle Insecurity
- Professor Isa Pantami has condemned the rising attacks across several northern states and urged authorities to adopt modern technology for security operations
- Multiple incidents have claimed lives in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kwara, and Borno States, including the killing of a brigadier-general and the abduction of schoolgirls
- Security agencies have been urged to work with citizens as Pantami called for intelligence sharing and technology-driven tracking of perpetrators
Surging violence across several northern states has drawn strong condemnation from former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
His reaction followed a series of deadly attacks and mass abductions reported in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kwara, and Borno States within one week.
Source: Facebook
In a post on Facebook, Pantami, a professor of cybersecurity, urged authorities to move toward technology-based counter terrorism systems and said the current pattern of attacks demanded an urgent shift in operational tactics to protect citizens.
Rising insecurity across multiple states
The former minister referenced the killing of the Ameer of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria in Kebbi State, Alqasim Uthman Ibrahim. He was abducted and later killed on November 16.
The following day, gunmen invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State and took 25 students.
The Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, lost his life while trying to shield the girls. Another guard sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Zamfara State also faced severe attacks on November 18 when bandits invaded Fegin Baza village. Three people, including Umaru Moriki, the Sarkin Fadan Moriki, were killed.
At least 64 residents were abducted. Many of the victims were women and children. Those wounded were taken to Tsafe General Hospital for treatment.
Bandits attack church in Kwara, abduct worshippers
The violence spread to Kwara State, affecting the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku. Borno State experienced another tragedy with the death of Brigadier-General Musa Uba near Damboa. Several civilians and security officers were also confirmed dead or injured.
Source: Facebook
Pantami said a technology-supported security framework would help track offenders, protect communities, and gradually restore peace to tense areas.
He appealed to Nigerians to assist security agencies by providing credible information that could help confront criminal groups.
He extended condolences to families mourning their loved ones. He also expressed sympathy for those abducted and prayed for their safe return.
Pantami, who is the Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya, said he stood with citizens who had condemned what he described as persistent inhumanity across the country.
Police react as armed bandits kidnap 25 students in Kebbi girls school
Earlier Legit.ng reported that armed attackers abducted 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko district of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state.
The incident took place around 4 - 5am on Monday, November 17, when gunmen invaded the school while firing into the air.
Police personnel stationed at the location engaged the intruders but the attackers had already entered the compound and fled with the students.
A statement released by the Kebbi state police command said one resident identified as Hassan Makuku was killed during the assault. Another man, Ali Shehu, sustained an injury to his hand.
I know the whereabouts of bandits - Zamfara gov
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state had declared that he has the capacity to end banditry in the state within two months if given direct control over security agencies.
He said he knew the precise locations of the bandits terrorising the states by kidnapping residents and killing indiscriminately and unjustifiably.
Governor Lawal, however, mentioned one thing that was stopping him from arresting the bandits despite knowing their location.
Source: Legit.ng
