In a startling revelation that signals a new phase in the Boko Haram insurgency, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General AE Abubakar, has disclosed that terrorists operating in Nigeria’s North-East have begun deploying armed drones in their attacks.
General Abubakar made the disclosure during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Tuesday, outlining recent developments and emerging threats in the military’s ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.
“Since November of last year, we noticed the introduction of the use of armed drones to carry out attacks,” Abubakar revealed, warning that these unmanned aerial weapons pose a significant challenge to Nigerian security forces.
He explained that the drones bear similarity to those used in high-conflict zones such as Ukraine and Israel and are difficult to detect using conventional radar systems, thereby complicating the military’s ability to intercept and neutralize threats.
“This development underscores the terrorists’ increasing ability to adapt,” the commander said, stressing that the shift in tactics reflects a growing sophistication within the insurgents’ ranks. He attributed this evolution to regional instability, particularly in the Sahel, where looting of military installations during recent coups and insurgencies has led to the proliferation of advanced weapons.
“The weapons find their way down into Nigeria due to our large and porous borders,” General Abubakar noted. “What we are seeing is the direct result of instability in neighboring countries where armories have been emptied.”
To address this new dimension of the insurgency, the military has initiated a series of strategic overhauls. According to Abubakar, troop deployments have been reassessed and surveillance efforts intensified to improve the military’s responsiveness.
“In the last two months, we have been re-strategizing and reorganizing. The Chief of Army Staff was here just a week ago, and several changes have been made in the theatre,” he disclosed, pointing to ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capacity.
The commander acknowledged a string of recent attacks in volatile towns including Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa, but emphasized that military responses have largely been successful. “All but one of the attacks were successfully repelled. Unfortunately, in Rann, we lost four gallant soldiers,” he said.
Despite the evolving threats, Abubakar conveyed confidence in the morale and readiness of Nigerian troops. He called for nationwide support, urging citizens to share information with the military and assist in identifying terrorist collaborators within their communities.
“Our troops are highly motivated, and our resilience is not dampened. In time, we will completely defeat terrorism,” he said, assuring Nigerians of the armed forces’ continued commitment to restoring peace.
The Theatre Commander also sent a stern warning to remaining insurgents, advising them to surrender while they still have the chance. “Those who have surrendered have been treated humanely. But those who refuse will be eliminated. The choice is theirs.”
In his closing remarks, General Abubakar stressed that national security should not be viewed as the exclusive burden of the military, urging all Nigerians to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Nigerians must continue to assist the military in fishing out the bad elements,” he concluded.
As Operation Hadin Kai adjusts its tactics to match the insurgents’ evolving methods, the military hopes increased citizen cooperation, alongside enhanced surveillance and restructured deployments, will tip the scales in the enduring battle against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East.
