Col. Abubakar Imam, Professor of Mechatronics and Robotics at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), has urged the Armed Forces to adopt indigenous military robotics capabilities.
Imam spoke 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 (NAN) reports that Imam is the first serving professor in the Nigerian Army.
He said 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 advantage would not lie in more platforms but in 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 said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges required adaptive, locally developed robotic solutions.
Imam cited counter-insurgency, counter-banditry, internal security and maritime protection in the Gulf of Guinea as areas demanding innovation.
He noted that research at the Academy had demonstrated capacity to design and deploy indigenous unmanned ground and aerial systems for frontline operations.
The don urged Nigeria to shift from reliance on imported military technologies to home-grown innovation.
He identified autonomous vehicles, intelligent command-and-control systems and smart logistics platforms as priority areas.
Imam called for sustained collaboration among the military, academia, industry and government to achieve technological self-reliance in defence.
He also revealed plans to focus future research on brain-computer interface technologies to support operations and reduce dependence on foreign systems.
Imam recommended institutionalising hybrid human-machine command structures and integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into military education.
He proposed designating the Academy’s innovation centre as a national hub for military robotics development.
Earlier, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Board, said Nigeria had the human capacity for technological advancement.
Masari said the lecture demonstrated how passion and talent could drive innovation within the military.
He disclosed that from 2026, a significant share of education funding would prioritise technology, innovation and skills development.
In his welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, Commandant of the Academy, reaffirmed NDA’s commitment to research supporting national security.
Olatoye said robotics had moved from speculation to operational reality, enhancing surveillance, ordnance disposal, logistics and precision operations globally.
He added that integrating robotics into Nigeria’s military operations was essential for force protection, situational awareness and efficiency against asymmetric threats.
NAN also reports that the lecture was the 23rd in the Academy’s Professorial Inaugural Lecture series. (NAN)
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