Declares commitment to curbing insecurity with ICT
The Federal Government has said that more than 300 repentant terrorists are undergoing rehabilitation.
It reiterated its commitment to tackling perennial security challenges plaguing the country with untiring vigour through an Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-driven mechanism.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a high-level stakeholders’ and donors’ meeting, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Adamu Laka, said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity through non-kinetic strategies.
He added that the rehabilitation was an extension of the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration efforts under Operation Safe Corridor.
“Operation Safe Corridor, a deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, has so far graduated over 2,600 low-risk former combatants, providing them with psycho-social support, vocational training and reintegration assistance,” Laka said. “There are over 300 clients in the camp undergoing the process.”
He added that the 300 ex-fighters undergoing rehabilitation were among those who surrendered voluntarily in recent months, especially from the North-West and North-Central regions.
At the meeting, the NCTC coordinator announced the launch of a new agribusiness and livelihood initiative in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Laka said the programme aims to provide land, inputs, training, mentorship, and access to markets, not only for former fighters but also for widows and members of conflict-affected communities.
Deputy Director-General at IITA, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, described the Seeds for Hope initiative of the institute as a pathway to inclusive peace and recovery.
He said the programme would focus on boosting agricultural productivity and resilience among the target groups.
Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Office of the Vice President, Dr Salihu Dasuki, disclosed, in Ibadan at the launch of a new digital location platform known as Yardcode, that the Federal Government was committed to leveraging technology to enhance security measures addressing issues across the nation.
Yardcode is an ICT-driven addressing application that allows community-driven geodata for Nigeria, developed by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
Dasuki, who spoke virtually, described the integration of ICT in security protocols as essential for effective governance and public safety.
He pointed out that the application would facilitate better communication and coordination in emergencies, which is crucial for timely responses to security threats.
“The Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging ICT in tackling insecurity is unwavering. We believe that technology is a crucial tool for enhancing national security. Yardcode is not just an application; it is a paradigm shift in how we approach addressing challenges in our communities.
“By utilising technology, we can foster a safer environment for all Nigerians. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to securing our nation. The integration of ICT in our security frameworks will enable us to respond more effectively to threats, ensuring a safer future for our citizens,” he said.
The Surveyor General of the Federation, Adebomehin Adeyemi, acknowledged the longstanding challenges that have hindered the country’s progress in the area of security. He said the inadequacies of the present postcode system and the urgent need for a more precise, adaptable and universally accessible geo-coding solution.
