Insecurity: More satellites needed to improve internal security — FG

The federal government has said the Nigerian military needs more satellites to improve internal security in the country.

 The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana said this at a stakeholders’ forum during the Nigerian Satellite Week organised by the Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited on Thursday in Abuja, with the theme ‘Harnessing Communication Satellites for sustainable development’.

Kana said satellite was key to addressing some of the challenges in the military operation, and that satellite helps for easy communication and monitoring of movements in various areas.

 “With the launching of more satellites, we’re going to be having real time information, real time imagery.  And we can actually monitor even our enemies and the bandits everywhere, wherever that location might be.

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 “With the partnership with NIGCOMSAT and with more satellites in space, we are going to be monitoring everything. I can guarantee you that we won’t miss anybody coming by our way,” he said.

 The perm sec said the Defence Space Administration has the capability of taking pictures of satellite imagery on all the routes that troops were available, saying it enhances operation and reduces casualties of troops.

 He stated that one of the key aspects about the military was communication and intelligence gathering and that without satellites their job would be restricted.

 He said, “We have moved from normal military operation to advanced military operation. We now use drones, and without satellites, we cannot operate our drones.

 “Drone surveillance is optimal for overseeing significant events, allowing rapid deployment and comprehensive monitoring to prevent illicit activities and safeguard event attendees. NIGCOMSAT is in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and key agencies in providing digital service to the country.”

 The Managing Director, NigComSat, Mrs Jane Edgerton-Idehen said they are working to increase their customer base to dominate the Nigerian market.

 “We want to increase our customer base and dominate the Nigerian market.  We have started the work. So we’ve done our inside work and now we are coming out to talk about it, just like you said. So the patronage can improve. So we can tell people, this is what we’re doing, this is what we’ve done. So people can see the reason to actually do business with my company.

 “We see a future where 70% of our revenue will come from the Nigerian market. We see a future wherein the satellite sector. Because right now there are so many private sector operators here. But the truth is a lot of people they serve are actually government agencies,” she said.