Insecurity: Stakeholders caution security agencies on AI deployment

As part of measures to tackle insecurity in the country, stakeholders have cautioned security agencies on the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

They stressed the need for strong institutional frameworks, ethical standards, and inclusive engagement of the citizenry to guide its use to achieve the desired purpose.

They spoke Tuesday in Abuja at a donor roundtable on Nigeria’s readiness for AI in security sector reform and governance, with the theme: ‘Nigeria’s Readiness for AI Revolution in Security Sector Reforms and Governance: Agenda Setting for the Donor Community’ organised by the CLEEN Foundation.

According to them, adopting AI in the security sector requires more than technology, and emphasized the need for a robust institutions, clear legal and ethical frameworks, adequate human capacity, and sustained investment.

They noted that for Nigeria, the question is no longer whether AI will influence the security sector, but how prepared the country is to harness its potentials responsibly.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, said that though AI presents significant opportunities to improve efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness, it also comes with complex risks.

He identified the risks to include algorithmic bias, surveillance overreach, data privacy concerns, and weak regulatory oversight.

Maduoma called on development partners to support Nigeria in research, capacity building, regulatory development, and the deployment of ethical AI solutions.

The CLEEN Foundation boss said that the organisation believes that with the right partnerships, strategies, and technologies, Nigeria can build a safer, more secure, and more just society for all citizens.

He called for inclusive dialogue among key stakeholders, particularly government, civil society, and development partners.

“This requires more than technology, it demands strong institutions, clear legal and ethical frameworks, adequate human capacity, and sustained investment. The role of development partners is critical.

“Your support has historically driven key reforms in Nigeria’s security and justice sectors. As we navigate this new frontier, your partnership will be essential in supporting research, capacity building, regulatory development, and the deployment of ethical AI solutions,” he said.

Speaking on ‘Understanding Institutional Capacity and Infrastructure within the Security Sector’, a Professor of Criminology, Etannibi Alemika, cautioned on the deployment of AI in tackling insecurity situation in the country

“The application of AI in criminal justice system and administration without widespread awareness of its limitation and dangers can aggravate injustices and human rights violation among the poor and powerless in society.

“We must know the strengths and weaknesses of AI. It’s not a question whether to adopt or not to adopt. No, it’s a question of where do we use it? How do we use it? And then how do we understand the input into it? And then understand the limitation when we’re taking decision,” Alemika said.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Information Technology, Hassan Saleh Gwani, said that the Nigeria Police Force recognizes that the evolving nature of crime and security threats requires dynamic and technologically driven responses.

He said Artificial Intelligence and emerging digital tools present opportunities to enhance intelligence gathering, predictive policing, operational efficiency, and overall service delivery.

He also outlined plans to expand AI capabilities, including acquiring drones, enhancing surveillance systems, and investing in digital investigative tools.

He also outlined plans to expand AI capabilities, including acquiring drones, enhancing surveillance systems, and investing in digital investigative tools.

The CP, however, harped on the need to ensure that such advancements are guided by strong ethical frameworks, respect for human rights, and inclusivity; and that building public trust must remain at the core of all reform initiatives.

He reiterated the commitment of NPF to strengthening its institutional frameworks, enhance personnel capacity, and adopt global best practices in the responsible use of technology.

The event also witnessed the formal presentations by Prof. Y. Z. Yau, Mr. Olumayowa Olaniyi and Dr. Salaudeen Hashim, where the importance of modern technology to tackle crime and insecurity was stressed, including that old technology cannot be used to combat modern crimes.