Iliyasu S. Yahaya
The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Matthew Adepoju, has revealed that terrorists are using satellites to communicate, further complicating Nigeria’s security challenges. Adepoju stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, emphasizing the need for a structural overhaul of the country’s security planning.
According to Adepoju, Nigeria currently operates only two active satellites, which are insufficient for real-time surveillance and tracking of terrorist activities. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the launch of four new satellites to enhance the country’s space capabilities.
The NASRDA DG’s comments come amid renewed pressure on security agencies following multiple abductions in northern states, including the kidnapping of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
Adepoju criticized states that disable mobile networks as a security measure, noting that terrorists often use satellite communication, making such measures ineffective. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to enhance its satellite capacity to effectively combat terrorism and ensure national securitysecurity.