Sultan of Sokoto Urges AI-Based Security Measures After Fresh Borno School Attack
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for the adoption of artificial intelligence AI powered surveillance technology and a more robust national security strategy following the latest terrorist attack on a school in Borno State.
The appeal was made by the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA after terrorists reportedly attacked the Government Day Secondary School, Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area on Monday, killing a teacher and abducting several students and members of staff.
In a statement signed by the council’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA condemned the attack, describing terrorism as a serious threat to Nigeria’s peace, security, and future.
The council said the repeated attacks on schools and the abduction of innocent children were unacceptable, stressing that the country could no longer afford a weak response to terrorism.
It recalled that the latest incident occurred just weeks after the abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same local government area, as well as the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, many of whom remain in captivity.
According to the council, the terrorists took advantage of Lassa’s market day to gain access to the community before launching the attack, a development it said highlights the need for stronger intelligence and surveillance.
The NSCIA therefore urged federal and state governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, and establish effective community based early warning systems.
It also recommended the deployment of AI enabled security infrastructure, pointing to the technology driven security model recently introduced by the Enugu State Government, which features a Command and Control Centre, surveillance drones, and AI-powered patrol vehicles capable of detecting and tracking criminal activities.
The council praised troops of Operation HADIN KAI for rescuing some of the abducted victims during coordinated ground and air operations, while insisting that efforts should continue until every remaining captive is freed.
It further honoured a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF who lost their lives during the rescue mission, describing their sacrifice as a symbol of courage and dedication in the fight against terrorism.
Reiterating its longstanding position, the NSCIA declared that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province do not represent Islam, stating that their actions are contrary to the religion’s teachings on peace, justice, mercy, and the protection of human life.
