Evolving threats demand urgent intelligence reform – Lawan

Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, has warned that Nigeria risks falling behind the sophistication of emerging security threats unless its intelligence architecture adopts faster, integrated and technology-driven reforms.

Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the opening of the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2025 in Abuja on Monday, Lawan stressed that the country’s adversaries are becoming more coordinated across borders, cyberspace and ideological networks, a shift he said requires more agile intelligence responses.

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“The complexities of today’s security landscape have made it imperative for intelligence agencies to adopt innovative approaches to safeguard Nigeria’s national interests,” Lawan said, urging the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to accelerate the fusion of intelligence streams for real-time decision-making.

He said the five-day conference, scheduled for November 24–28, is timely, noting that its theme; “The Role of Multi-Source Intelligence Innovation in National Security” captures a dire national necessity.

According to him, multi-source intelligence must now move from being a theoretical aspiration to a practical, everyday tool guiding security operations.

“This Conference therefore provides a strategic opportunity to examine how multi-source intelligence can be effectively harnessed to enhance situational awareness, strengthen early warning systems, and support evidence-based decision-making,” he added.

Lawan pressed for deeper integration of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and data analytics into Nigeria’s intelligence cycle, saying such tools are no longer optional in modern defence systems.

He commended the DIA for “ongoing efforts in data integration and inter-agency collaboration,” but noted that operational synergy must improve across all levels — foreign missions, state offices, and domestic security agencies.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this year’s conference, which features joint presentations by Defence Advisers/Attachés and State Office Coordinators, Lawan said the model reflects what Nigeria urgently needs: “The synergy between both components reinforces the whole-of-government approach needed to counter emerging threats and enhance national resilience.”

He emphasised that Defence Attachés should “deepen bilateral and multilateral engagements,” while State Office Coordinators must expand cooperation with local security outfits to strengthen grassroots intelligence.

Lawan praised the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, for convening the meeting, saying the dedication of DIA personnel; both abroad and within Nigeria continues to play a critical role in national defence.

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“Your collective commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security interests both at home and abroad is commendable and reflects the spirit of professionalism that defines the DIA,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the conference will “provide valuable direction for strengthening Nigeria’s national and regional security frameworks,” especially amid rising terrorism, cyberattacks and transnational organized crime.

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