Natasha urges deployment of digital intelligence to combat terrorism

By Juliet Umeh

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to deploy digital intelligence and smart technologies to combat terrorism and banditry, arguing that online activities should provide valuable leads for law enforcement.

Speaking during the ARISE News Town Hall on State Police on Thursday, the senator expressed concern over the increasing use of social media by suspected criminal groups to publicise their activities.

She cited reports of a recent TikTok livestream in which suspected bandits allegedly distributed money to viewers, saying such incidents should prompt investigations using available digital evidence.

“I have consistently advocated the deployment of smart technologies to curb insecurity. It is alarming that some terrorists now engage the public through their social media handles,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why security agencies did not utilise the available digital trail to identify those allegedly involved in the reported livestream.

The senator, who is a member of the Constitution Review Committee, also reiterated her support for the establishment of state police, describing decentralised policing as an important step towards improving intelligence gathering and addressing security challenges at the community level.

She, however, stressed that any state police framework must include strong constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse by political office holders.

“My greatest concern is the abuse of state police by both state and national political actors,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also raised concerns about the proposed mechanisms for the recruitment, promotion, discipline and oversight of state police officers, calling for clear accountability structures to protect citizens’ rights and ensure public confidence in the system.

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