Sowore proposes drone-led security overhaul, scraps Defence Minister role

 

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has advocated a major restructuring of Nigeria’s defence architecture, proposing the abolition of the office of Minister of Defence and a strategic shift towards the extensive use of drone technology to tackle insecurity.

Sowore made the remarks on Monday while speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he criticised what he described as outdated military procurement processes and excessive bureaucracy within the country’s security framework.

According to him, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), popularly known as drones, are more effective, flexible and cost-efficient than conventional military hardware such as fighter jets.

“If I were president of Nigeria, I would not buy fighter jets anymore. I would invest heavily in unmanned aerial vehicles. They may be expensive, but they are far more effective,” he said.

The former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential flagbearer argued that drones could significantly enhance surveillance and rapid response in combating kidnapping, banditry and insurgency across the country.

“With as few as five operators controlling ten drones, you can monitor large areas. Some drones costing as little as $2,000 can cover a four-kilometre radius within twenty minutes. Once kidnappers are detected, drones can track them until security forces move in for arrest,” he explained.

Sowore further noted that deploying large numbers of low-cost drones across states would yield better results than investing in sophisticated aircraft that require years of training and complex maintenance.

“If a state acquires a hundred drones, it would dramatically improve security operations,” he added.

Referencing global military trends, Sowore cited recent conflicts in the Middle East, arguing that modern warfare increasingly favours advanced aerial and unmanned systems over traditional air force assets.

“The era of fighter jets is fading. You can control airspace remotely without owning a single jet. Training pilots for years and struggling to get spare parts is a waste of time,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating his earlier stance: “That is why I said, if I were president, I wouldn’t appoint a Minister of Defence. My defence minister would be a drone.”

Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and widespread kidnapping across the country, despite increased military spending and aerial surveillance efforts.