In the conflict-ridden zones of Northern Nigeria, security experts are proposing a radical new strategy: repurposing the machinery of democracy for defense. A new report suggests that Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), specifically the biometric data used for elections, could be the missing link in the fight against terrorism.

The proposal centers on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and digital census data. Currently, this data sits in silos at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, analysts argue that if integrated with national security intelligence, it could help track population movements in real-time, identifying "ghost" zones where insurgents operate freely.

The "Digital Checkpoint"

"We know where the voters are," says Ahmed Adamu, a security consultant. "By deduction, we should know where the voids are—the areas that have been depopulated by bandits or taken over by Boko Haram." The strategy involves overlaying voter density maps with conflict incidence reports to predict attacks and monitor forced recruitment.

• The Challenge: There is currently zero interoperability between INEC’s database and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Bridging this gap requires political will and data protection safeguards.
• The Potential: In fragile states like Niger and Borno, such infrastructure could mean the difference between foresight and catastrophe, allowing the military to distinguish between civilians and combatants more effectively.

A Double-Edged Sword?

While the utility is clear, privacy advocates warn of the risks of a surveillance state. Yet, for communities living under the shadow of the gun, the debate is academic. "If the government can find me to ask for my vote," said a community leader in Niger State, "they should be able to find me to save my life."