‘My Defence Minister Will Be a Drone’ — Sowore Unveils Security Vision

African Action Congress Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has proposed a radical technology-driven approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria, declaring that advanced drones and artificial intelligence would form the backbone of national defence under his presidency.

Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday while discussing his vision for addressing terrorism, banditry and violent crimes across the country.

“If I become Nigeria’s president tomorrow, my minister of defence will be a drone,” Sowore said.

“That’s how much I believe in technology.”

The activist and former presidential candidate argued that modern warfare has evolved beyond conventional combat methods, insisting that Nigeria must embrace advanced surveillance systems, artificial intelligence and drone technology to effectively confront insecurity.

According to him, technological superiority would provide real-time intelligence and faster response capabilities against armed groups operating across different parts of the country.

Sowore also criticised what he described as weak military leadership, accusing some senior officers of remaining comfortable in Abuja while insecurity worsens across the nation.

“We have to have honest leaders and supervisors and officers who are not staying in Abuja fighting over land but actually fighting wars,” he said.

“We need generals who can strategise and do what is right.”

The AAC candidate maintained that Nigeria’s security agencies require comprehensive technological upgrades and stronger operational coordination to confront insurgency and organised crime effectively.

He also criticised the deployment of police officers for political protection duties and social media-related arrests instead of core internal security responsibilities.

“A police force that can carry out internal security of the country, not escorting people or arresting people for insulting others on Facebook,” he stated.

Explaining his vision further, Sowore said he envisages a technologically advanced command-and-control system capable of monitoring criminal activities and responding swiftly through coordinated drone operations.

“I’m just going to have a control centre where people sit down and track terrorists and liquidate them,” he said.

When asked if artificial intelligence itself could effectively function as the country’s defence minister, Sowore answered in the affirmative.

“That’s part of it. And that drone will fly everywhere,” he added.

Despite his strong emphasis on technology, Sowore stressed that insecurity cannot be solved through military operations alone.

He argued that unemployment, poverty and lack of opportunities continue to push many young Nigerians into violence and criminality.

“Ultimately, you must create a society where people can find jobs and go to school, and not be willing to take up arms,” he said.

Sowore had earlier expressed similar views during a January 2026 interview where he first suggested placing drones and artificial intelligence at the centre of Nigeria’s national security architecture.