22nd May, 2025
A senior legal academic, Professor Abiodun Amuda Kannike, SAN, has called on Nigerian authorities to deploy artificial intelligence tools and robotic systems in the fight against insecurity, particularly kidnappings and killings across the country.
Prof. Kannike, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Kwara State University (KWASU), made this call during a one-day workshop held in Ilorin on the theme: “Incessant Kidnappings and Killings in Nigeria: The Role of Government vis-à-vis the Nigerian Constitution.” The event was organised by the Department of Jurisprudence and Public Law, KWASU.
Addressing security personnel, legal experts, and students, Prof. Kannike argued that modernising security operations with electronic surveillance and AI technologies would significantly enhance the capacity of security agencies to combat criminal networks.
“It is time we empowered our security agencies to go digital. Robots and AI software can track criminals faster and more efficiently than human effort alone,” he said. “The impact of insecurity on our economy, social lives, and political stability is enormous. We must change our strategy and embrace technology.”
He further urged citizens to support the security architecture with timely and credible intelligence, noting that “no amount of technology can work if the people fail to volunteer useful information.”
“We all have a role to play. Our information, whether given secretly or directly, can help save lives and stop crimes before they happen,” he added.
Also speaking at the workshop, Dr. Mariam Bayero Jimoh, former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Al-Hikmah University, stressed the need for government to expand access to social and economic benefits as a way of reducing crime rates.
“Security is no longer the exclusive job of government. Every citizen must get involved in securing our communities,” she said. “Let us support the security agencies with the right information so they can crack down on criminals.”
Earlier, the Acting Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and Public Law, Dr. Kafayat Yetunde Olatinwo, said the event was part of the department’s social responsibility to discuss solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security situation. She noted that the outcome of the deliberations would be forwarded to relevant authorities for policy consideration.
Among the key attendees were Kwara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Umar Mohammed; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Idachaba Friday Adamu; Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyeniran Famuwagun; Director of Public Prosecutions in Kwara State, Ayoola Idowu Akande; and several university lecturers and law students.
