The House of Representatives has called for local technology to combat insecurity in Nigeria following the adoption of a motion by Rep. Mohammed Bio (APC-Kwara) at plenary on Tuesday.

Mr Bio decried that Nigeria is battling with all forms of insecurity, ranging from banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

He added that citizens were recently kidnapped in Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Zamfara, Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa, and FCT.

The lawmaker further said huge amounts of money were demanded as ransom, while some victims were killed, including three traditional rulers in Ekiti and Kwara.

Mr Bio said solutions to insecurity remained in intelligence gathering, surveillance and communication for security agencies.

“Nigeria is blessed with individuals and agencies, among which are Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and National Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

“They are saddled with the responsibility of providing technological products to ensure adequate intelligence gathering, surveillance and effective communication.

“Despite the presence of security agencies in Nigeria, all forms of insecurity continue unabated; in the case of kidnapping, contacts are established with relatives of kidnap victims without instant tracking and apprehending of the criminals,” the lawmaker said.

He said the loopholes indicated that the agencies were either not tapped by the respective security agencies or there needed to be stronger collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

”Non-adoption of home-grown tech products and non-integration of domestic tech service provider agencies by security agencies fighting insecurity will allow continuation of all forms of crimes in the country, making citizens continue to live in fear,” he said.

The house urged the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service, and the National Intelligence Agency to collaborate and adopt tech products of domestic agencies.

The lawmakers recommended that the technical capacity of NIGCOMSAT, NASRDA and NITDA be fully engaged in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

In his ruling, the House speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committees on Army, Police Affairs and Communications to ensure compliance.

(NAN)