Analytical Assessment of Secure Communication Research Gap for Disaster Response Operations in Nigeria

Disaster response operations in Nigeria increasingly rely on digital communication platforms that may be vulnerable to eavesdropping and interception, yet secure communication for emergency responders in Nigerian contexts has not been studied. This study analytically assessed the research gap in secure communication technologies for disaster response in Nigeria through systematic review and field assessment. A scoping review of 12 databases identified 38 publications from 2018 to 2024 on secure communications for emergency responders, none addressing Nigerian contexts. Field assessment comprised structured interviews with 25 NEMA, state SEMA, NPF, and Nigerian Red Cross coordinators from Borno, Rivers, Plateau, and Lagos States, assessing current communication platforms, security measures, and threat awareness. Field assessment confirmed that 88.0 percent of disaster response coordinators used unencrypted consumer messaging apps for sensitive operational communications. Awareness of secure end-to-end encrypted alternatives was present in 24.0 percent but adoption was minimal. Interception threats were rated as a serious concern by only 36.0 percent. The study identifies four research priorities including encrypted communication adoption barriers for Nigerian emergency responders, first responder communication security training design, and interoperable secure communication systems for multi-agency disaster response. A national disaster response communication security standard is recommended as an output of a NEMA-NITDA joint working group.

Keywords: secure communication, disaster response, emergency services, Nigeria, encrypted messaging