# Nigerian military to shore up cyberspace defence

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2022/03/nigerian-military-to-shore-up-cyberspace-defence/
- Published: 2022-03-16T12:22:59+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi, (rtd) has restated 
the Federal government’s commitment to promote Cybernetics in National Defence and
Security imperatives.

General Magashi stated this when the Management Team of the [Defence Space Administration (DSA)](https://www.military.africa/2017/11/nigerian-military-commissions-new-defence-space-administration-and-cyber-operations-complex)
led by its new Chief of Defence Space Administration, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Anthony
Muogilim visited the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja on Courtesy
call on February.

> [Nigerian military commissions Defence Space Administration and Cyber Operations complex](https://www.military.africa/2017/11/nigerian-military-commissions-new-defence-space-administration-and-cyber-operations-complex/)

General Magashi said the “Nation’s Cyberspace is sacrosanct, sinquanom and Strategic
to National defence and development which must be defended against internal and 
external infractions.”

The Defence Minister therefore tasked DSA to shore up Defence against modern threats
by the Non- State actors which he said are technology driven and advancing geometrically
in sophistication and complexity.

While congratulating the Chief of Defence Space Administration Rear Admiral Muogilim
on his appointment, he charged the management of the DSA to be ahead of the adversaries
by fortifying the National Cyberspace

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He assured the DSA of the support of the Ministry of Defence under his watch and
restated the need to strengthen inter – agencies collaboration and cooperation necessary
to grow Cyberspace sector.

The Chief of Defence Space Administration Rear Admiral Nnamdi Anthony Muogilim thanked
the Minister of Defence for his mentorship in providing strategic direction to emplace
DSA that is capable of safeguarding National Cyberspace.

He outlined the new thinkings of the DSA management to grow National Cyberspace 
in partnership with Strategic Stakeholders in the sector with 60% Civilian Staff
and 40% Military Personnel in his Area of Responsibility AoR.

The Chief of Defence Space Administration who was former Director of Communication
and Information Technologies Naval Headquarters and former Deputy Director Space
Operations at DSA before his new appointment explained Strategies to break new Operational
grounds in Cyberspace Defence capabilities especially now that the country is preparing
for the 2023 elections.

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The Act establishing Defence Space Administration formally known as Defence Space
Agency was enacted in 2016 by 8th National Assembly and signed into Law in 2017.

It has the mandate to promote National Security and development, support Military
Operations and to improve the Nigerian Armed Forces Cyberspace capabilities.

In 2018, [Nigerian Army’s Cyber Warfare Command](https://www.military.africa/2018/09/nigerian-army-cyber-warfare-command)
begins operation to monitor, defend and attack subversive elements in the cyberspace.

> [Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command](https://www.military.africa/2018/09/nigerian-army-cyber-warfare-command/)

The command would also monitor the Nigerian Army’s networks and advise Field Commanders
on how to use the newly procured computer based weapons systems recently inducted
to the Theatre of Operations.

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The [Nigerian Air Force (NAF) may in the near future set-up it’s own cyber warfare operations unit](https://www.military.africa/2022/03/nigerian-air-force-may-get-cyber-warfare-unit-in-the-future)
to combat cyber threats within its sphere of influence.

From the Nigerian Air Force quarterly publication; The Air Man magazine, Air Commodore
Edward Gabkwet in his report titled; NAF Doctrines Take Shape’ explained that;

“Drawing from the NAF’s definition of air power, which includes the ability to project
military power or influence through the control and exploitation of air, space and
cyberspace to achieve strategic, operational and tactical objectives…”

> [Nigerian Air Force may get Cyber Warfare unit in the future](https://www.military.africa/2022/03/nigerian-air-force-may-get-cyber-warfare-unit-in-the-future/)

In projecting into the future, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Oladayo Amao in a

paper titled, “Operational Insights, Current Capabilities and Future Priorities 
of the NAF” for the International Fighter Conference 2021 held in London, England,
stated that he envisions a “NAF that is well equipped and postured to adequately
contend with threats and challenges in a digital environment. He is also optimistic
that the NAF of the future would seek additional capabilities that would allow it
to engage adversaries in the digital and information environment…”

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