Insecurity: Experts advocate use of ICT in border policing

Some Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts have advocated deployment of more sophisticated technologies in policing the nation’s borders.

They told news men in Abuja on Wednesday that doing so would enhance the operations of the nation’s bother policing agencies and reduce illegal activities at the borders.

The Managing-Director of Transnet Cloud, Mr Chigozie Ezeugwu, said ICT could improve border policing through biometric identification, surveillance systems and automated border control.

He said deployment of data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and cybersecurity measures could also come handy.

“Implementing border management systems that integrate data from various sources, such as biometric data, cargo information, and surveillance feeds is key to border policing and management.

“Biometrics will verify travellers’ identities, while drones and AI-powered CCTV can monitor border areas.

“Automated border control systems will streamline legal crossings, while predictive analytics will detect suspicious patterns,” he said.

Ezeugwu, who is also the convener of StartUp Abuja Conference, urged the Federal Government to address infrastructure and connectivity challenges to ensure reliable and secure ICT systems in its borders.

Mr Jide Awe, a Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Advisor and Founder, Jidaw.com, said ICT could be used in various environments to reduce costs, save time and overcome distance barriers.

He said ICT could help border security personnel to overcome distance barriers by enabling remote monitoring of vast areas.

According to him, drones, cameras and sensors can be used to detect and prevent illegal activities.

He advised the government to provide training and capacity-building programs for border officials to effectively utilise ICT systems.

“The use of biometric tools like fingerprints and facial recognition saves time and ensures accurate identification, which is critical for policing at borders.

’’In border policing, it enhances communication, automation and data analysis and processing to improve efficiency.

“Smart systems at border checkpoints speed up passport and visa processing. Databases facilitate information sharing between agencies.

“This enables border officers to track and respond to threats more quickly and efficiently thereby improving security.

“ICT will reduce costs by minimising the need for excessive manpower deployment while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of border policing,” he said.