If I Were President, My Defence Minister Would Be Drone — Sowore
Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate and rights activist, has proposed a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying modern warfare and internal security challenges demand drone-based defence rather than reliance on conventional fighter jets.
Sowore made the statement while reacting to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across several states. According to him, deploying expensive military jets has delivered little impact against non-state actors who operate in forests, remote communities and difficult terrains.
He argued that armed surveillance drones, integrated with real-time intelligence and rapid response units, would offer better coverage, precision strikes and reduced risk to soldiers. Sowore added that drones are more cost-effective, can operate for longer hours, and are better suited to tracking criminal movements than traditional air power.
The activist also criticised what he described as outdated military thinking, insisting that countries battling asymmetric warfare have moved towards technology-driven solutions. He maintained that Nigeria must prioritise intelligence gathering, border surveillance and rapid deployment rather than ceremonial displays of military strength.
Sowore’s comments have sparked debate online, with supporters describing the idea as innovative, while critics question feasibility, regulation and accountability in drone warfare.
He concluded by stressing that without bold reforms and modern technology, Nigeria’s security crisis would continue to overwhelm conventional methods.
