The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has raised concerns about Nigeria’s evolving security threats, revealing that terrorist groups are increasingly moving away from conventional mobile networks to satellite-based communication systems.
NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, made the disclosure on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He warned that shutting down mobile networks during security operations no longer disrupts criminal activity, as many armed groups now rely on sophisticated satellite platforms.
“It breaks my heart when state governments shut down communication on mobile phones because most terrorists are not actually using mobile networks. They communicate through satellites,” Adepoju said.
He also clarified widespread misconceptions about the capabilities of Nigeria’s current satellites, stressing that the existing satellites are designed primarily for imaging, not real-time video surveillance.
“The satellites we have, including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-X, and NigeriaSat-2, are imagers. They don’t record videos and take about three days on average to revisit the same location. That makes rapid response to security threats challenging,” he explained.
Adepoju added that a new satellite constellation approved by President Bola Tinubu would cut revisit times to between four and six hours, depending on orbital placement.
The agency plans to expand this constellation with additional satellites to eventually achieve near real-time monitoring capabilities.
He emphasized the need for continuous investment in research-driven security technologies, noting that NASRDA has secured a deal with a U.S-based technical partner operating nearly 300 satellites capable of advanced signal analytics to strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence.
However, the project remains on hold due to pending funding.
The announcement follows the Federal Executive Council’s approval of four new satellites, three Earth-observation satellites and one radar satellite, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s ability to monitor criminal activity.
According to Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, the radar satellite will provide imaging day and night, even during adverse weather, significantly supporting military operations in areas like the Sambisa Forest.
Adepoju also addressed reports that Nigeria had “lost” a satellite, clarifying that it was safely decommissioned due to a solar panel malfunction.
Looking ahead, NASRDA is progressing plans for Nigeria’s first astronaut, in collaboration with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), with the selection process currently underway.
