Law Professor Urges Use of AI Robots to Combat Kidnapping, Insecurity in Nigeria
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and law professor, Abiodun Amuda Kannike, has called for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including robotic technology, to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against kidnappings and killings.
Prof Kannike made the appeal during a one-day workshop in Ilorin organised by the Department of Jurisprudence and Public Law, Faculty of Law, Kwara State University, Malete. The event focused on addressing the rising wave of insecurity in the country.
Speaking at the gathering attended by top security and legal professionals, the don stressed the need to adopt modern technology in crime-fighting, saying reliance on physical pursuit of criminals is no longer effective.
“It is time we empower our security personnel with digital tools and artificial intelligence rather than depending solely on traditional methods. Robots and other AI-driven software can help detect and dismantle criminal networks more efficiently,” he said.
Highlighting the grave consequences of insecurity on the country’s economy and social stability, Prof Kannike urged Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information.
“We all have a duty to assist security agencies. Intelligence gathering must be supported by citizens through secret or direct reports. That is the only way to break the cycle of kidnappings and killings,” he added.
He also appealed to government at all levels to invest in job creation, warning that idle youth are more vulnerable to being recruited into criminal gangs.
In her lecture, Dr Mariam Bayero Jimoh, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Al-Hikmah University, emphasised that addressing insecurity goes beyond government efforts alone.
“Citizens must be given better access to social and economic opportunities. But more importantly, everyone must get involved in protecting our communities. The responsibility of ensuring peace and safety is a shared one,” she said.
Earlier, the Acting Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and Public Law, Dr Kafayat Yetunde Olatinwo, explained that the workshop was the faculty’s contribution to finding workable solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
She said all recommendations from the event would be documented and forwarded to relevant government agencies for consideration and action.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the security sector, legal profession, and academia, including senior officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Ministry of Justice.
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