The Armed Forces of Nigeria are accelerating investment in drone warfare through expanded operational deployment, foreign specialist training and indigenous technology development as part of efforts to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and precision strikes against terrorist groups.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
Time: 13:30 PM WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Author: Nokai Origin
Providing further insight during a Joint Security Press Briefing convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Adamu Ngulde, responding on behalf of the Directorate of Defence Information during the question-and-answer session, said unmanned aerial systems have become an increasingly important component of Nigeria's counterterrorism operations.
Ngulde who was butrressing earlier presentation by Group Captain Kabiru Ali on behalf of the the DHQ, disclosed that drones are already supporting military operations in both the North-East and North-West, working alongside the Nigerian Air Force to improve battlefield surveillance and operational response.
According to him, the Armed Forces are simultaneously expanding overseas specialist training for personnel to master more sophisticated drone technologies through partnerships with friendly countries.
While declining to identify the partner nations for security reasons, he confirmed that Nigerian personnel are currently undergoing advanced drone training abroad.
Ngulde further revealed that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has commenced efforts to develop indigenous drone capabilities tailored to Nigeria's operational environment.
He added that the Defence Research and Development Bureau is making significant investments in research and innovation to strengthen locally developed unmanned systems capable of supporting future military operations.
The disclosures provide additional context to the Armed Forces' operational briefing, which showed that troops conducted 14,221 operations during the first half of 2026, neutralised 1,597 terrorists, rescued 1,516 kidnapped victims, recovered hundreds of firearms and explosives, and intensified intelligence-driven operations across multiple theatres.
Military authorities believe expanding unmanned aerial capabilities will improve speed of response, deepen intelligence collection and increase operational effectiveness against increasingly mobile terrorist and bandit groups operating across difficult terrain.
The briefing reflects Nigeria's broader effort to combine technological innovation with conventional military operations as security agencies continue adapting to evolving threats across the country.
Tags: Nigerian Army, Armed Forces of Nigeria, DICON, Defence Research and Development Bureau, Drones, Counterterrorism, ONSA, Defence Headquarters
NigerianArmy #AFN #DICON #DroneWarfare #CounterTerrorism #NationalSecurity #ZigDiaries
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