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The United States Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability has advised the Nigerian military on the need to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in military operations in Nigeria.
According to the U.S. bureau, it will enable the Nigerian military to significantly reduce the occurrence of accidental bombings, as AI technology can distinguish between the civilian population and armed terrorists.
Persecondnews reports that the advice is in response to the unfortunate incident on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Kaduna State, where one of the Nigerian military drones aimed at armed groups accidentally bombed villagers in Tudun Biri village of Igabi local government area, who were observing the muslim Maulud festival, killing about 85 people.
Speaking at a roundtable with select journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Paul Dean, disclosed that the adoption of AI by the Nigerian military will not only enhance its capabilities, but will also ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, preventing unintended civilian casualties.
He said: “So first of all, deep condolences on the tragedy that happened over this week. I do think your question raises the very salient point that artificial intelligence will help militaries improve their operations in a very tangible way.
“Artificial intelligence will help militaries deliver on their international humanitarian law obligations. It will help militaries improve efficiency, eliminate biases, and improve overall decision-making.
“And this, I think, will be of enormous value to global stability. We want to encourage the positive applications of artificial intelligence in the military.
“This initiative that we and our partners launched just last month is centered around achieving just that, maximising the tremendous value of artificial intelligence in military applications, and at the same time, ensuring the international community has coalesced around a series of norms of responsible behavior to make sure that we are reducing the risk of unintended consequences or negative applications.
“So we are convinced that when states commit themselves to using this technology in a predictable, transparent, stable, and responsible way, the international community will be in the position of maximising the advantages while reducing the risks of an irresponsible approach.”
Further speaking, Mr. Dean said his organization was willing to partner with the Federal Government to curb the proliferation of arms and ammunition in the country.
“We are here to cooperate in areas of mutual interest and concern regarding the prohibition of chemical weapons, the pursuit of nuclear stability, the responsible use of outer space and the use of risk reduction measures to advance issues of regional security,” he added.
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