In a recent statement, the Nigerian military has dismissed growing concerns over the use of drones by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, calling the devices “toys” that pose no serious threat to its operations in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, reassured the public during a media briefing in Abuja on December 27, 2024, that the drones being employed by the insurgents are far from military-grade and cannot disrupt the counter-terrorism efforts of Nigerian forces.
“These are not professional drones, not military-grade drones. These are toys,” Buba explained, adding that the insurgents had merely modified commercially available drones, attaching makeshift devices in a bid to carry out reconnaissance or launch attacks. “These drones are not effective, and we are already taking steps to neutralize their use in our operations,” he stated.
“Terrorists’ Drones Are No Threat”
Buba’s comments came in response to recent drone attacks on military positions in the North East, which had sparked concerns among the public and defense analysts alike. However, the Director was adamant that these drones, which are often used by insurgents to gather intelligence or drop crude explosives, do not pose a strategic challenge to Nigerian forces.
“When we talk about drones in warfare, we’re talking about various classes of drones with different capabilities,” Buba continued. “The ones being used by these insurgents are far from the high-grade drones typically used by well-equipped militaries.”
Despite the technological advancements in modern warfare, the drones being employed by terrorists in Nigeria have proven largely ineffective. Buba reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian military had already adapted to these tactics, countering with a range of defensive measures.
“It’s important to understand that the drones being used are commercially available and not designed for military operations,” he added. “They are essentially toys that the insurgents have found ways to weaponize. The Nigerian Army remains more than capable of defending against such primitive tactics.”
A Long-Standing Issue
The use of drones in warfare, while still evolving, is not new. Insurgents across various regions have increasingly turned to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and to deliver explosives, with terrorists in the Middle East and parts of Africa adopting similar tactics. While drones have played a role in military operations globally, their use by non-state actors in conflict zones remains limited by the technology at their disposal.
The Nigerian military’s dismissive stance toward these drones highlights the disparity between the insurgents’ capabilities and those of the Nigerian Army. The army has a long history of dealing with asymmetrical warfare, and its robust defense infrastructure makes it well-equipped to handle such attacks.
Major General Buba emphasized that while drones have entered the fray of modern warfare, they are by no means a game-changer for insurgent groups in Nigeria. He highlighted the military’s advanced air defense systems and countermeasures, which can easily neutralize the threat posed by these rudimentary devices.
Reaffirming National Security
Buba also took the opportunity to address other concerns, particularly rumors about the presence of foreign military bases in Nigeria. Recently, claims of a French military base operating in Nigeria had surfaced, adding to the tensions surrounding foreign intervention in the region.
“The Federal Government has made it clear, there is no foreign base in Nigeria, and there never will be,” Buba affirmed. He dismissed the claims as “mischievous” and suggested that such rumors were being spread as a distraction. “I’ve heard some African leaders mention this, but these are just distractions. They should focus on solving their own problems instead of deflecting attention from their own countries.”
This direct rebuttal follows an earlier comment from an African leader, which suggested that foreign military bases might be set up in Nigeria to combat regional instability. The Nigerian government has consistently emphasized its sovereignty, rejecting any form of foreign military presence without the explicit invitation of the state.
Counter-Terrorism Efforts Intensified
While drone attacks may not pose an immediate danger to the Nigerian military, the broader threat of terrorism continues to affect the country. The Nigerian military has been engaged in an extensive counter-insurgency campaign in the North East, where Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have waged a violent campaign for over a decade.
The government’s commitment to eradicating these terrorist groups remains firm, with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies employing a mix of ground operations, aerial surveillance, and intelligence gathering to root out insurgents.
“The war against terrorism is ongoing, and we are making significant progress,” Buba said. “We will continue to adapt our strategies, and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail in securing our country from these threats.”
