From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Federal Government has procured no fewer than 43 Berakta TB2 drones for the Nigerian Army.
The drones would be deployed in the North West theatre of operation to curb activities of terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups terrorizing the peace in the zone.
The Commander, Nigeria Army Space Command, Brigadier General U.G Ogeleka disclosed this during the winging of 46 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.
He said, “ Between May and September 2022, a team of Nigerian Army personnel comprising of 35 officers and 11 soldiers were selected from Nigerian Army routinely piloted aircraft system regiments to train in the operation and maintenance of the Berakta TB2 drones in Turkey.
“After the training, the government acquired 43 of the drones to support the Nigerian Army operation in the Northwest Theater. The operation of the platform was codenamed Project Guardian.
“The training crew comprised multiple piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics and mechanical engineers and technicians. Overall, we have 14 trained multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven mission operators, and 23 engineers and technicians, bringing the total to 46 trained pilots and technicians on the Berakta TB2 drones. However, for this ceremony, I want to present 22 of them, because others are engaged in operational duties. “
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede said the winging of the personnel is a morale booster to others in the service.
He assured that more drones would be acquired and deployed across the theatres of operations in the country.
Oluyede said, “To strengthen our professionalism and combat readiness and pillars of my command philosophy, we just winged 22 qualified officers and soldiers as pilots and certified maintenance engineers.
“Their winging is a morale booster and confirms their certification to fly and maintain the Turkish Berakta TB2 drones in our inventory. The Nigerian Army plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems in the coming year to enhance its operations across all theatres,”