Terrorists now use hard-to-detect armed drones to attack, says theatre commander

The military has raised concerns over the rising sophistication of terrorist operations in the north-east, revealing that armed drones are now being used to execute deadly attacks.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Abdulsalam Abubakar, the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, said while the military has recorded significant successes in recent weeks, terrorist groups have also evolved in their strategies, taking advantage of regional instability and technological access.

The commander said the situation in Nigeria is closely linked to the broader instability in the Sahel region.

He said some neighbouring countries are experiencing weapon theft, with these arms finding their way into Nigeria.

“However, what is happening in Nigeria is not unconnected to the situation in the greater sahel region whereby our neighbouring countries are being ransacked and weapons carted away. These weapons find their way into Nigeria, into our large Cross border, thereby re-energising the fight,” he said.

“Two years ago, we were ready to say the conflict was over but the deterioration in the security among the sahel states has affected us. In spite of this progress, the terrorists have also adapted.

“This is possible also due to the relative ease in which they can access technology. For instance, since November of last year, we noticed the introduction of the use of armed drones to carry out attacks. As you would find out in Israel, these drones are difficult to detect by conventional weather detection systems.”

Abubakar reported significant progress in the region, noting that most Nigerians have returned to their communities and socio-economic activities have resumed.

He said over 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their ancestral homes due to the positive results from the troops’ operations.

“In the last one week alone, over 20 terrorists have been neutralised and we have also recovered several arms and ammunition even as we continue to conduct operations on multiple fronts,” he said.

“For now, most citizens have returned to their communities, and socio-economic activities have resumed. Our recent success stories where over 20000 internally displaced persons have returned to their ancestral homes.”

Abubakar reassured the public of the  military’s unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism and restore peace in the region as quickly as possible.