Embrace new technology, strengthen collaboration to tackle insecurity – Matawalle urges DIA

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has urged the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to accelerate the adoption of modern technology and deepen inter-agency collaboration to confront emerging security threats in the country.

Matawalle made the call on Friday in Abuja at the closing of the 2025 Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference.

He said the theme, “Multi-Source Intelligence and Innovation in a Changing National Security Ecosystem,” underscored the complexity and transnational nature of contemporary threats.

Matawalle said the nation’s intelligence architecture must continue to evolve, leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, advanced imagery and cyber tools to enhance early warning, crisis prevention and operational response.

The minister, however, noted that technology alone could not address the nation’s security challenges, stressing that the insight, judgement and dedication of intelligence personnel remained indispensable.

“The strength of our system lies in the fusion of both, where technology amplifies human capacity and human insight guides technological application,” he said.

Matawalle said resolutions reached at the conference would contribute to building a more resilient national security framework, adding that the ministry would give due attention to the recommendations for timely implementation.

He urged security agencies to sustain the momentum generated, embrace innovation, strengthen cooperation and uphold professionalism in intelligence operations, saying Nigeria’s future security hinged on working together, not in isolation.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, said the week-long conference provided an opportunity for defence chiefs, advisers, attachés and commanders to review emerging intelligence concepts and strengthen professional bonds.

Undiandeye said discussions reaffirmed the need for synergy among human intelligence, signals, geospatial and open-source intelligence in confronting evolving threats.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs for their strategic guidance and sustained support to the agency.

The CDI urged participants to apply lessons learnt and remain committed to innovation, data integration and collaboration across defence and civilian security institutions to strengthen national stability.