A Professor of Mechatronics and Robotics at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Col. Abubakar Imam, has urged the Armed Forces of Nigeria to adopt indigenous military robotics capabilities to address evolving security challenges.
Imam made the call on Monday while delivering the Academy’s 23rd Professorial Inaugural Lecture titled, “Robotics in the Frontlines: Implications for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Imam is the first serving professor in the Nigerian Army.
He noted that robotics and autonomous systems had become central to modern warfare, reshaping operations across land, air, maritime and information domains.
“Robotics is redistributing risk, extending operational reach and accelerating decision-making,” he said.
Imam argued that decisive military advantage would not come from acquiring more platforms but from responsibly integrating autonomous systems under human authority and mission command.
“Technology confers advantage only when embedded within sound doctrine, trained personnel, resilient communications and robust command-and-control systems,” he added.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security landscape—ranging from counter-insurgency and counter-banditry to internal security and maritime protection in the Gulf of Guinea—requires adaptive, locally developed robotic solutions.
According to him, research at the Academy has already demonstrated the capacity to design and deploy indigenous unmanned ground and aerial systems for frontline operations.
Imam called for a shift from reliance on imported military technologies to home-grown innovation, identifying autonomous vehicles, intelligent command-and-control systems and smart logistics platforms as priority areas.
He also advocated sustained collaboration among the military, academia, industry and government to achieve technological self-reliance in defence.
The professor revealed plans to explore brain-computer interface technologies in future research to enhance operations and reduce dependence on foreign systems. He further recommended institutionalising hybrid human-machine command structures and integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into military education.
Imam proposed that the NDA innovation centre be designated as a national hub for military robotics development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, said Nigeria possesses the human capacity to drive technological advancement.
Masari disclosed that from 2026, a significant portion of education funding would prioritise technology, innovation and skills development.
Earlier, the NDA Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to research that supports national security.
He observed that robotics has moved from speculation to operational reality globally, enhancing surveillance, ordnance disposal, logistics and precision operations.
Olatoye added that integrating robotics into Nigeria’s military operations is essential for force protection, improved situational awareness and operational efficiency in combating asymmetric threats.