By Oso Abidemi
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has warned that terrorists in Nigeria are now using satellite communication to avoid detection, making mobile network shutdowns during security operations ineffective.
Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, revealed this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
He explained that while state governments often shut down mobile networks during military operations, terrorists have since migrated to satellite-based platforms that cannot be locally disabled.
Adepoju also clarified that Nigeria’s current satellites only provide imaging and revisit locations every three days, limiting real-time response.
He said President Bola Tinubu has approved a new satellite constellation that will reduce revisit time to 4-6 hours, with plans to expand global coverage.
He added that NASRDA has secured a partnership with a U.S.-based operator with nearly 300 satellites, but access to the platform is stalled due to funding challenges.
Adepoju stressed the need for increased investment in advanced satellite technology to boost national security and intelligence operations.
