The Nigerian Army has raised fresh concerns over the increasing use of armed drones by Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, describing the development as a serious threat to national security.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Maiduguri. He said the insurgents have begun deploying drones similar to those used in global conflict zones like Israel and Ukraine, posing new challenges for detection and interception.
“These weaponized drones are not easily spotted by conventional radar systems,” he said. “This change in tactics represents a dangerous evolution in the enemy’s capabilities.”
General Abubakar called on remaining insurgents to surrender, noting that those who have already laid down their arms are being treated humanely. He issued a stern warning to those who continue to fight: “Those who refuse to surrender will be eliminated.”
He revealed that terrorists have shifted to launching coordinated, multi-pronged attacks on isolated military outposts to serve their propaganda efforts. “We are reviewing our deployment strategies to counter these evolving threats,” he added.
Despite the challenges, the commander affirmed that Nigerian troops remain highly motivated, crediting recent improvements in welfare and support from military leadership for the boost in morale.
“This reflects the seriousness with which the government is addressing the insurgency. We are confident that complete victory is within reach,” he said.
General Abubakar reported significant progress in the counterinsurgency campaign, noting that terrorist activities have been substantially weakened compared to five or ten years ago.
“In just the past week, over 20 terrorists were neutralized and several weapons recovered. Operations are ongoing on multiple fronts,” he said.
He also highlighted the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to previously insecure communities. “Nearly 20,000 people have returned to places like Malam Fatori and Kukawa, and normal life is resuming in many areas.”
The OPHK commander linked the resurgence of militant activity in Nigeria to deteriorating security conditions across the Sahel region. He said military barracks in neighboring countries have been overrun, and looted weapons are making their way into Nigeria through porous borders.
“Two years ago, we were close to declaring the conflict over. But the instability in Sahelian countries has reignited the threat here. The terrorists are evolving—armed drones being the latest example,” he warned.
According to him, terrorists began deploying armed drones in November 2024. “These drones are hard to detect and potentially lethal. We have responded by reorganizing and reassessing our strategy,” he said.
Abubakar confirmed recent coordinated attacks in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram, stating that while most were repelled, Rann saw a partial breach of military defenses, resulting in the loss of four personnel.
“We’ve been re-strategizing over the past two months. I assumed command just three weeks ago as part of these changes, and the Chief of Army Staff recently visited the theatre to oversee key adjustments,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, he reaffirmed the military’s commitment: “Our resolve remains firm. We will defeat terrorism and restore peace to this region. But we need the full support of the Nigerian people.”
General Abubakar emphasized the scale of the operation, noting that the theatre spans over 150,000 square kilometers—an area larger than several Nigerian states and even some countries.
He urged citizens to see themselves as partners in the war effort. “In asymmetric warfare, you must separate the fish from the water. Security is a shared responsibility. Every Nigerian has a role to play in identifying and isolating criminal elements.”
He also praised recent civilian cooperation, citing a successful operation in which troops intercepted 13,000 litres of petrol being smuggled to terrorist camps. “That volume of fuel could sustain terrorist operations for a year,” he noted.
In closing, Abubakar appealed to communities to remain vigilant and collaborative. “The fight against terrorism cannot be won by the armed forces alone. We need the eyes and ears of every Nigerian to overcome this challenge.”