The Nigerian military has affirmed its preparedness to respond to the threat of drone-enabled attacks by terrorist groups, citing ongoing efforts to integrate anti-drone technology and improve across conflict zones.
Air Commodore Dooyum Laha, Air Component Commander of Operation Udo Ka, made the remarks during a media briefing held as part of the Joint Task Force South East’s biannual tour in Enugu.
Speaking through the operation’s officer, Squadron Leader Larry Azih, Laha outlined several challenges facing operations in the South East, including poor weather, difficult terrain and the limited availability of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
He explained that ISR assets remain in high demand across all theaters of operation, particularly in the northern regions of the country, but emphasized that the Armed Forces were adapting through the use of modern technologies. These include imaging systems capable of detecting threats hidden beneath dense foliage and GPS-based signal tracking tools that help navigate complex terrain.
Laha acknowledged the growing global trend of terrorist groups acquiring and deploying drones and noted that it was only a matter of time before such tactics appear more prominently within Nigeria. He assured reporters that the Armed Forces have taken proactive measures to counter this threat, including the acquisition of anti-drone technologies designed to neutralize hostile UAS activity.
On behalf of Laha, Azih said:
“It is no longer news that drone technology has gotten into the hands of terrorists all over the world. They are actively making use of this technology, and it is only a matter of time before it gets here.”
According to the briefing, a mixed strategy combining advanced technology and terrain mastery is being used to stay ahead of evolving threats. The Air Force and wider Armed Forces are reportedly working to ensure that drone-based attacks can be detected and defeated before they reach Nigerian troops on the ground.
Wing Commander IA Okere, UAV Operator for the Nigerian Air Force will speak at the upcoming Counter UAS Middle East & Africa conference to offer insights into Nigeria’s efforts in the UAS domain.
Post Image – Nigerian soldiers stand to attention in Lagos, Nigeria (Post Image Credit: Ishaya Luka Wayas via Pexels)
