Nigeria’s security needs drones, not traditional generals — Sowore

Omoyele Sowore has said he would hand over Nigeria’s defence ministry to a drone system if elected president, arguing that modern warfare requires heavy reliance on technology rather than traditional command structures.

Sowore made the remark during a live interview on Arise News on Thursday, where he outlined his ideas for restructuring national security.

According to him, Nigeria’s worsening security situation cannot be solved through conventional methods alone, insisting that advanced surveillance tools, automation, and artificial intelligence should take centre stage in defence operations.

“If I become president, my defence minister will be a drone,” he said, stressing that technology should play a leading role in security management.

He argued that the country needs a shift from what he described as ineffective leadership structures, adding that security commanders must be more active in operational zones rather than remaining in the capital.

Sowore also criticised aspects of policing in the country, saying the force should focus strictly on internal security duties instead of engaging in non-core tasks such as guarding private individuals or arresting citizens for online comments.

He further proposed a command-and-control system powered by drones and AI, where security threats could be monitored and responded to in real time. He described it as a centralised intelligence hub designed to track armed groups and coordinate rapid responses.

While expressing strong support for technology-driven security, he noted that it would not be sufficient on its own. He said long-term peace would also require investment in education, employment, and opportunities that reduce the appeal of armed conflict among young people.

Sowore had previously made similar remarks earlier in the year during a television interview, where he first introduced the idea of a “drone-led” defence structure.