The Nigerian Army has raised alarm over Boko Haram’s new use of armed drones in the North East, saying the weapons are similar to those used in Israel and Ukraine and are difficult to detect with regular radar.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, made this known during a press briefing on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State. He warned that the terrorists are changing tactics and urged them to surrender while they still can.
Abubakar said, “These drones are weaponised, just like the ones seen in Israel and Ukraine. Since November last year, we’ve seen terrorists using them. They are hard to detect with conventional radar systems.”
He said Boko Haram fighters now attack weak spots in the military’s deployment to create fear and gain attention.
“The terrorists have changed tactics, resorting to multi-pronged attacks on isolated and vulnerable deployments. They use these attacks as propaganda,” he said.
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Despite these challenges, Abubakar assured Nigerians that the army remains strong and motivated. He said improved welfare packages have helped boost troop morale.
“We are confident that in due time, we will achieve complete victory over terrorism,” he said.
General Abubakar also reported that more than 20 terrorists were killed recently, and several weapons were recovered in ongoing operations. He praised the return of peace to many parts of the North East.
“Most citizens have returned to their communities, and socioeconomic activities have resumed. Malam Fatori and Kukawa are examples where nearly 20,000 displaced people have gone back home,” he said.
However, he linked the rise in terrorist attacks to the worsening security in neighbouring Sahel countries.
He said, “Barracks in nearby countries are being overrun, and the weapons stolen end up here in Nigeria. Two years ago, we were close to declaring victory. But the crisis in the Sahel changed everything.”
To respond to the new threats, Abubakar said the army is adjusting its strategies.
“We’ve been re-strategising for the past two months. Just yesterday, there were attacks in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram. All were repelled except in Rann, where we lost four personnel,” he said.
He called on all Nigerians to support the military by reporting suspicious activities.
He explained, “Our operation covers over 150,000 square kilometres—larger than many countries. As Sun Tzu said, in asymmetric warfare, you must separate the fish from the water. Every Nigerian must play a role.”
He shared an example of success through community help.
“Last week, we seized 13,000 litres of fuel being smuggled to terrorists at night. That amount could have supported them for a year,” he said.
General Abubakar ended by urging more cooperation: “The fight against terrorism cannot be won by the armed forces alone. We need the help of every Nigerian to win this war.”