Recent updates from the Nigerian military have brought to light an interesting change in the strategies used by insurgent groups in the North-East. It seems that these groups are starting to use weaponized commercial drones for aerial operations, which is certainly a new development worth keeping an eye on!
Defence intelligence sources shared with PRNigeria that ongoing investigations have brought to light some possible supporters and international partners backing the emerging challenges.Sources indicate that groups like ISWAP and various factions of Boko Haram are getting creative by repurposing commercially available drones, which were initially designed for photography and filmmaking, into makeshift aerial tools.
Military experts have noted that these drones, which are easy to find in open markets, are being equipped with locally made explosive payloads and triggering mechanisms.
A defense source shared some interesting updates: “It seems the insurgents have made some modifications to their drones by adding locally crafted explosive payloads and triggering mechanisms.
This allows them to carry out remote-controlled aerial strikes on important sites and civilian locations.”This news comes on the heels of a significant counter-terrorism achievement in the Malam Fatori area of Borno State.
On Tuesday, Nigerian troops successfully executed a coordinated decoy ambush operation, leading to the removal of two high-ranking ISWAP commanders and 84 terrorist fighters.After this operation, security personnel recovered what has been described as an astonishing collection of valuable intelligence materials!
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Items that have been found include mobile phones that are currently being examined for forensic details, handwritten journals with operational maps and plans, and technical guides that outline how to adapt commercial drones for various uses.
According to sources, the materials recovered have presented “compelling evidence” that links specific supporters and external technical advisors to the evolving drone strategies of the insurgents.
Intelligence sources have shared that ongoing investigations have revealed a collaborative network of supporters and partners who are assisting insurgents in enhancing their drone capabilities.
One source mentioned, “We see some pretty clear signs that these changes are intentional. We’re keeping an eye on supply routes, technical details, and financial supporters behind this shift.”In light of this rising challenge, the Nigerian military has ramped up its counter-drone efforts by improving intelligence gathering and rolling out electronic warfare systems.
They’re combining these strategies with ongoing ground operations aimed at the strongholds of terrorists.A significant approach being used is frequency jamming, a neat technology that disrupts the communication between drones and their operators.A military source explained, “One of our main strategies right now is frequency jamming. When we interfere with the signal, the drone loses its control and ends up crashing before it can reach its target.”
He mentioned, “When the frequency gets jammed, the drone can’t operate and gently falls out of the sky.” In addition, our troops have received special training to identify, track, and safely respond to any unfriendly drones using coordinated ground fire. This training emphasizes recognizing drone movement patterns, enhancing response times, and fostering teamwork among units during aerial situations.
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