From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Last week, fear gripped residents of Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, due to the sound of a bomb blast that rocked the area. Before the explosion, attack drones had hovered around the council.
The explosion was not a raid by security agencies or terrorist group, but a testing exercise conducted by a bomb and attack drones manufacturing company, Briech UAS. The demonstration site was a five-minute drive from the company.
In a twinkling of an eye, most residents scampered to safety. There was a loud cry among residents. Commercial activities ceased temporarily. Expectedly, smoke billowed through the sky, and bomb canisters littered the environment. No casualty was recorded.
The show of weapon sophistication was done in the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, representatives of the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and other top military and para-military personnel.
Musa said the time was ripe for Nigeria to commence massive production of weapons, to combat both internal and external threats like Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Province (ISWAP). He said Nigeria had suffered in the purchase of weapons owing to bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles:
“In a world where the global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware, particularly combat drones, have become more intricate, countries that do not produce such solutions are made to face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles in acquiring these critical platforms.
“We are facing such challenges directly, so we know what it means. If you don’t produce what you need, you’ll be held whenever you need them, even with your money at hand. It is in this context that the indigenous production of unmanned combat aerial vehicles becomes an invaluable strategic asset.”
He assured the bomb manufacturers of government commitment to support the initiative, to ensure that Nigeria becomes self sufficient in ammunition production: “The development of these unmanned combat aerial vehicles is therefore a timely intervention.
“As the precision and efficiency of drones are critical in gathering intelligence and executive decisive actions against threats in an era where security threats are increasingly complex and asymmetric, these force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military and other areas.”
Battered by insurgency in some parts of Plateau State, Wutfwang, assured Briech of his administration’s commitment to support ensuring that enormous weapons of massive destruction are produced: “Indeed, we have made a mistake as a nation when we allowed non-state actors to acquire capabilities that are almost overwhelming state actors and it is time to address that disadvantage.
“We must get to the point where no one operates within our borders with capabilities that compete, not to talk of exceed, those who have been charged with the constitutional responsibility for protecting our national sovereignty.
“We have been able to enter into a partnership that has allowed some of Briech facilities to be deployed to our state. We have seen great improvement in the efficiency of the forces on ground. I welcome this development we are entering into strategic and what I want to call sensible acquisition of technology without strings attached.”
Briech chairman, Bright Echefu, said: “Our surveillance drones are engineered to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, ensuring constant vigilance over our vast and diverse terrain. These UAVs are equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies, enabling them to detect and monitor activities that may pose threats to our national security.
“Insurgent groups such as Boko Haram have adapted commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack missions, granting them an asymmetric advantage. These drones have been used to track troops movements, coordinate ambushes, and execute crude aerial strikes.
“For instance, on March 24, 2025, insurgents launched coordinated UAV-assisted attacks on Nigerian military bases, resulting in casualties and the destruction of military assets. Similarly, in 2024, reports confirmed that Boko Haram used drones to monitor and evade military patrols during an ambush in Mainok, Borno State.
“The ability of non-state actors to exploit drone technology for offensive operations underscores the need for the Nigerian Army to counter this emerging threat with more advanced UAVs. Without an upgrade in drone warfare capabilities, Nigerian security forces risk continued exposure to adversarial aerial threats, diminishing their operational superiority and battlefield effectiveness.”