Army expands drone warfare capacity to boost counterterrorism operations

Waidi Shaibu, chief of Army Staff, has disclosed that the Nigerian Army is deliberately investing in drone technology and other advanced combat systems to strengthen battlefield intelligence, improve operational precision, and enhance the effectiveness of troops in ongoing security operations across the country.

Shaibu made the disclosure on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week held at the Jaji Military Cantonment.

The annual military exercise drew serving and retired senior officers from different formations of the Nigerian Army for strategic lectures, tactical demonstrations, and simulated battlefield exercises focused on improving counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

Army Chief stressed that modern warfare increasingly relies on technology-driven intelligence and rapid situational awareness.

He noted that the Nigerian Army is repositioning itself to meet emerging security threats through innovation and modern combat capabilities.

According to him, the Army has intensified investments in unmanned aerial systems, surveillance platforms, and combat aviation assets aimed at improving operational coordination and precision strikes during military engagements.

“We are deliberately investing in technology-driven capabilities, including drones, to improve situational awareness and operational success in the field,” Shaibu stated.

He explained that the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies would assist troops in gathering real-time intelligence, tracking criminal elements, and reducing operational risks during missions.

Army Chief, however, maintained that technological advancement alone cannot guarantee success on the battlefield without highly skilled and adaptable personnel capable of effectively deploying such systems.

“Success in today’s operations is not just about having equipment, but about having well-trained, resilient, and adaptive soldiers who can use these tools effectively,” he added.

The week-long training programme featured live-fire exercises involving infantry formations, armoured vehicles, artillery units, and combat support systems designed to simulate real combat scenarios.

Military personnel also participated in tactical drills and battlefield simulations intended to sharpen combat readiness and improve inter-unit coordination during operations.

Senior military officers delivered lectures on emerging security threats, evolving warfare patterns, counterterrorism strategies, and the growing role of technology in modern military engagements.

In his remarks, Godwin Mutkut, commander of the Infantry Corps, commended the Army leadership for reforms aimed at improving troop welfare, operational efficiency, and combat preparedness.

Mutkut described the ongoing modernisation efforts as critical to strengthening the Army’s ability to tackle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges confronting the country.

The event ended with a symbolic pulling-out parade held in honour of retired infantry generals, marking the official close of the 2026 Combat Arms Training Week.

The Nigerian Army said the exercise reflects its sustained commitment to professionalism, operational modernisation, and the continuous development of personnel to effectively confront Nigeria’s evolving security threats.