FG Downplays Terror Drone Threat, Says Terrorists Using Civilian Tech for Attacks
Amid growing concerns over the increasing use of aerial weapons by non-state actors, the Federal Government has dismissed speculations that terrorist groups operating in Nigeria have acquired advanced drone warfare capabilities.
Speaking during the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series at the National Press Centre in Abuja, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said intelligence gathered so far indicates that insurgents are relying on modified civilian drones, not sophisticated military-grade ones to carry out attacks.
“What we have seen is normal, small civilian drones. They just tie drone bombs to them to improvise and drop them on their targets,” the minister clarified.
“It is not a sophisticated drone, and it is not an armed drone with strategic guidance.”
The minister’s comments come on the heels of viral footage and anecdotal reports suggesting that terrorist groups may be using drones in the manner of conventional militaries.
However, Badaru insisted that these claims were exaggerated, describing the tools in question as easily accessible commercial models similar to those used by media houses and content creators.
According to the Defence Ministry, the drones currently observed in conflict zones are capable of carrying only small payloads—typically 1 to 2 kilograms of explosives.
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While dangerous, the government said these devices are not indicative of high-tech capability but rather an improvised method born out of limited resources.
“We are doubling our intelligence efforts, both internally and internationally, to ensure we track the sources of these devices and nip the supply chain in the bud,” Badaru assured.
In response to rising public anxiety, he disclosed that the military is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to regulate and monitor the use of civilian drones across the country.
Badaru noted that several arms traffickers have also been arrested in recent months as part of broader crackdowns on the illicit arms trade.
The minister’s clarification comes as the Armed Forces report continued progress in the counter-terrorism campaign.
He said between May 2023 and February 2025, at least 13,543 terrorists were neutralised by troops, while 124,208 Boko Haram fighters and their families have reportedly surrendered.
Other operational achievements within the 21-month period include the arrest of 17,469 suspects and the rescue of 9,821 hostages. Over 11,000 firearms and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition were recovered during various military operations.
Addressing the question of community security, especially in the Northwest, Badaru acknowledged ongoing challenges in places like Safana and Faskari in Katsina State but assured that troops are steadily regaining control.
“Slow but sure, we are dealing with this, and we will get those communities liberated,” he said.
By PRNigeria
