Nigerian Air Force deploys counter measures against terrorists drones

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is implementing “a comprehensive and integrated counter-unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system” to counter terrorists drones and safeguard the troops and air assets.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed this when he spoke at the first quarter meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and Commandant at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said the deployment of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades by Boko Haram terrorists to attack troops is one of the new threats in the fight against terrorists in the northeast.

The CAS said the incident, which was experienced against ground troops in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in 2024, underscores the growing efforts of terrorists to proliferate drone attack technology.

Read Also:Investigation: Incessant attacks by bandits worsen access to healthcare in Katsina communities
He said: “In the Northeast, recent high-profile attacks by Boko Haram on land forces locations suggest a renewed effort for the group to resurge.

“A significant incident in the year 2024 was the employment of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades in a kamikaze role by Boko Haram Terrorists to attack their own troops in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area. This incident underscores the growing efforts of terrorists to proliferate drone attack technology.

“Therefore, while leveraging advancements in technology and modern warfare to enhance the NAF’s operational effectiveness, it is equally critical to implement a comprehensive and integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to safeguard our troops and air assets.”

The NAF boss said the review of the security situation in 2024 revealed that the year was marked by both progress and persistent challenges in Nigeria’s security environment.

According to him, the evolving threats, which include the resurgence of insurgency and terrorism, the use of drones by non-state actors, and regional geopolitical shifts, had necessitated “a forward-thinking approach and a reassessment of our strategies and operational capabilities.”

Read Also:Amid conflicts, killings by bandits, Niger spends N1.2 bn on celebration, special days

He said: “This is precisely why we conducted a holistic Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA) of the Nigerian Air Force to identify gaps in our core capabilities vis-à-vis the rapid transformation in the security landscape and emerging patterns of threat to our nation.

“The objective is to develop strategies to ensure an agile, resilient, and operationally effective NAF capable of meeting national defence imperatives.”

“Beyond strengthening our operational capabilities, our engagements in 2024 also highlighted certain administrative issues that required thorough evaluation before final decisions could be made.

“Therefore, various committees were tasked to look into those areas, and this meeting will also provide an avenue for those committees to brief on their work.

Read Also:Probe weighty claim USAID funded Boko Haram-Ndume asks FG

“I therefore once again implore you to interrogate these briefs and provide meaningful contributions to shape our implementation plans and projections for the year 2025.”

Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the senior officer that leadership is a responsibility, hence they must think strategically and with foresight, adding that the success of service depends on adequate planning.

“As we deliberate today and tomorrow, I urge each of you to engage boldly and contribute meaningfully. No idea is too small, and no concern is insignificant. The strength of our projections for 2025 will be shaped by the depth of our collective insights,” he said.