A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and law lecturer at Kwara State University, Prof. Abiodun Amuda Kannike, has called on the Nigerian government to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including robotic software, as a tool to combat kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
Prof. Kannike made the appeal during a one-day workshop held in Ilorin on Wednesday, themed 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, Faculty of Law, Kwara State University, Malete.
He lamented the growing impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s economy and social fabric, describing it as a national emergency that can no longer be tackled through conventional policing methods.
“It is high time our security operatives went digital. We must go beyond physical pursuits and adopt artificial intelligence and robotics to track and neutralize criminal networks. Technology is the game-changer,” he said.
Kannike also urged citizens to be more involved in intelligence gathering to help security agencies perform their duties more effectively.
“We all have to assist the security agencies on intelligence gathering. Whether done secretly or directly, information is key to stopping the tide of killings and kidnappings in this country,” he added.
He further recommended that governments at all levels create more employment opportunities for young people to steer them away from criminal activities.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the security and justice sectors, including the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara, Dr. Umar Mohammed; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Idachaba Friday Adamu; Controller of Corrections, Oyeniran Famuwagun; Director of Public Prosecutions, Ayoola Idowu Akande; and several academics and students.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Mariam Bayero Jimoh, former Dean of Law at Al-Hikmah University, said addressing insecurity requires more than military action. She emphasized the need for broader social inclusion.
“Government must expand access to socio-economic benefits. Crime often thrives where people are excluded or deprived. Security is no longer the job of government alone. We all have a role to play,” she noted.
In her welcome address, the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Kafayat Yetunde Olatinwo, explained that the workshop was part of the faculty’s contribution to addressing national challenges. She said the recommendations made would be forwarded to relevant authorities for consideration.
“Our aim is to generate practical solutions. We believe this engagement can support government efforts in restoring security and peace in our country,” she said.
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