If I Were President, My Defence Minister Would Be Drone — Sowore
Abuja — Former presidential candidate and rights activist Omoyele Sowore has proposed a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying that if elected president, he would prioritise drone-based defence systems over conventional military hardware such as fighter jets.
Sowore made the statement while speaking on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, arguing that modern conflicts and internal security challenges require technology-driven solutions rather than reliance on traditional military approaches.
According to him, the use of drones would significantly enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities in tackling banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent crime across the country.
“If I were president, my defence minister would be drone,” Sowore said, emphasising that unmanned aerial systems offer a more efficient and cost-effective means of securing Nigeria’s vast and difficult terrain.
He criticised what he described as the continued dependence on expensive military jets, noting that such equipment is often ill-suited for combating non-state actors who operate in forests, rural communities and border areas.
Sowore added that drones could provide round-the-clock monitoring, reduce risks to military personnel and improve coordination among security agencies, while also limiting collateral damage during operations.
The former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate called for increased investment in local technology development and training to support a modernised defence strategy, stressing that innovation is key to addressing Nigeria’s security crisis.
His comments have sparked debate among security analysts and political observers, with some supporting the shift toward advanced surveillance technologies, while others argue that drones should complement, rather than replace, conventional military assets.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency, kidnapping and armed banditry, prompting renewed discussions on the need for comprehensive and adaptive security reforms.
