The United States has extended its support to the Nigerian military, offering assistance in implementing and enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities for counter-terrorism efforts within the West African nation. Paul Dean, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the US Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), declared this commitment during a meeting with journalists in Abuja. Mr. Dean’s primary objective in his brief visit to Nigeria is to engage in comprehensive discussions about diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering peace and stability.
Highlighting the focus on fortifying existing connections in the realm of hard security, the ADS agency aims to collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of artificial intelligence in the military. The goal is to construct a normative framework for the responsible use of AI in military applications. This initiative, launched with partners just last month, seeks to maximize the potential benefits of artificial intelligence while ensuring a global consensus on responsible behavior norms. The US official expressed confidence that by adopting AI in a predictable, transparent, stable, and responsible manner, the international community can optimize benefits and minimize risks.
Recent tragic incidents, such as the drone-related civilian casualties in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State, have prompted intensified criticism and discussions around the use of emerging technologies in warfare. Despite challenges, Mr. Dean conveyed the US’s commitment to collaborating with Nigerian partners in areas of shared leadership, including preventing the misuse of nuclear and chemical weapons. He highlighted a historic political declaration on the safe use of autonomy and AI in military applications, expressing hope for global collaboration in establishing an international framework of accountability for AI in the military. Additionally, Mr. Dean expressed openness to working with Nigerian authorities to curb the proliferation of weapons and ammunition, aligning with the goals of conflict deterrence, stability promotion, and responsible behavior norms in the military sphere.
