Nigeria has announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced anti-drone systems as part of a major overhaul of its military operations, according to TheCable.   The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed the development while leading a high-level delegation to Monaco to finalise discussions on the Hybrid Intelligence Shield (HIS) project.   The initiative is designed to strengthen border security, protect urban centres and improve Nigeria’s response to evolving security threats, including insurgency, banditry, piracy and oil theft.   Under the proposed system, AI-powered surveillance technology will be deployed to rapidly detect and analyse threats using smart algorithms, while anti-drone technology will be used to intercept and neutralise unmanned aerial systems that may pose security risks.   The plan also includes the establishment of national and regional command-and-control centres to enhance real-time coordination and operational response across security agencies.   Musa said the project will prioritise technology transfer and local capacity development through the creation of a military “Centre of Excellence” in Nigeria.   The Defence Ministry is also expected to work with international partners, including Marss UK Ltd, while building indigenous capacity to address internal security challenges.   Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats across different regions, prompting growing calls from security experts for the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI surveillance systems, drones and integrated intelligence platforms to support military operations, TheCable reports.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.   According to reports from The Nation Newspaper, Makinde made the announcement on Thursday during a large political rally held in Ibadan, where supporters and party stakeholders gathered to witness the declaration.   The event also featured the unveiling of a broader political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), alongside mobilisation efforts for a campaign structure ahead of the next general election cycle.   The declaration positions Makinde among early contenders shaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

Atiku Abubakar has formally submitted his presidential nomination forms at the secretariat of African Democratic Congress in Abuja, signalling his intention to contest in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.   According to Punch Newspapers, the former vice president announced the submission on Thursday via his verified X account, describing the move as a significant step in what he called a broader mission to rebuild the country.   Atiku said the bid represents more than another campaign, framing it as a national movement focused on restoring prosperity and reversing what he described as the nation’s decline. He said the project was built on “hope, renewal, and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair”.   The former presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party also urged Nigerians across regional, ethnic and religious lines to support his ambition, saying unity would be key to restoring the country’s promise.   His declaration comes as political activity around the 2027 general election gathers pace, with parties beginning early positioning and aspirants publicly testing support ahead of formal campaign timelines. Punch reported that Atiku’s submission took place at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja and was accompanied by his public call for a broad coalition of Nigerians to back his candidacy.

Former Peter Obi has criticised the raid by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives on University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, describing the use of teargas inside the medical facility as reckless and dangerous.   According to Punch Newspapers, Obi said on Thursday that although the EFCC has constitutional powers to carry out investigations, the operation at the Uyo hospital raised serious concerns over how some agencies exercise that authority.   The Labour Party figure said reports showed EFCC operatives fired teargas canisters within the hospital during Tuesday’s operation, forcing patients and medical workers to flee. He said the action endangered lives and disrupted healthcare delivery at a critical institution.   The raid was linked to the verification of a medical report submitted in a case before the Federal High Court in Uyo. The visit reportedly escalated into a clash, with claims that teargas and live rounds were discharged. Four hospital workers, including Professor Effiong Ekpe, were arrested, while others sustained injuries.   Obi said the arrest of a specialist surgeon in such circumstances sent the wrong message to healthcare workers already under pressure in Nigeria’s overstretched medical system. He noted that only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons currently serve Nigeria’s population, with Professor Ekpe reportedly the only one based in Akwa Ibom State.   He argued that no official assignment justified deploying teargas in a hospital, stressing that public institutions must uphold civility and respect for citizens.   The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, said the EFCC team arrived without prior notice to management and without presenting a warrant. He also said the medical report being investigated was fake and suggested possible internal collaboration.   The EFCC has denied invading the hospital. Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said officers were there on official duty. Meanwhile, medical unions at the hospital have begun an indefinite strike, demanding sanctions against the operatives involved, compensation for injured staff and repairs to damaged property.