Nigeria’s Security Threatened by AI-Enabled Cyber Attacks and Digital Manipulations

Abuja, Nigeria – The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, has raised the alarm about the growing threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled cyber attacks and digital manipulations to Nigeria’s security.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Monday, Bichi expressed concern that AI systems have become increasingly sophisticated, and with it, the tactics of those seeking to exploit them.

The DSS chief highlighted that the country is already witnessing the rise of AI-enabled cyber attacks, deep fakes, and other forms of digital manipulations that can undermine national security and trust in digital systems. He emphasized the need for robust strategies to mitigate these risks while harnessing the benefits of AI.

Bichi noted that for Africa’s emerging economies, AI represents a double-edged sword, posing both opportunities and threats. The seminar aimed to provide a platform for security experts to discuss the implications of AI on national security and explore ways to effectively harness its benefits.

As Nigeria’s security agencies continue to grapple with the challenges posed by AI-enabled cyber attacks, the country’s government is urged to prioritize the development of robust cybersecurity strategies to mitigate these risks and protect its digital systems.

This article provides insight into the growing threat of AI-enabled cyber attacks and digital manipulations to Nigeria’s security and the need for effective strategies to address this issue.