Jihadists group Boko Haram attacked two bases in Northeastern Nigeria, with a swarm of drones that exploded on impact, and injuring five soldiers.
On December 24, militants launched a drone assault on a
Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wajiroko, Borno State.
This was followed by a second attack on a military base in Yobe
State, where armed drones were used to target Nigerian forces. In the attack, Boko Haram deployed four armed drones carrying locally made grenades in a coordinated assault.
Around 13:00 on December 24, militants attacked FOB Wajiroko
in Borno using mortars and firearms but were repelled by
Nigerian troops. Moments later, at 13:23, the base was hit again
by multiple armed drones carrying locally made grenades, damaging a gun truck. Five soldiers were injured, but no militants were reported killed. The injured troops received first aid and were evacuated for further treatment.
In a related incident, militants launched a second attack in Yobe
State, targeting a military base with fighter drones. Two more such attacks have happened in Damaturu, Yobe State, and Abadam on Lake Chad.
This attack mirrors the one in Borno, highlighting the increasing use of drone technology by militant groups in the region. In addition to the urgent need for a comprehensive counter-unmanned systems strategy.
The group first used drones for propaganda and surveillance, following in the footsteps of extremists and insurgents in Somalia, Libya, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Similarly, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter faction of Boko Haram since 2014, has utilized drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and propaganda purposes.
Operating primarily in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, the group has progressively enhanced its tactical sophistication.
The weaponisation of drones in Lake Chad Basin means non-state actors are now using aerial technology to enhance their operational capacity. That represents a disturbing evolution in tactics and sophistication, and raises the question of how regional forces can adapt to this new warfare.
The increasing accessibility of drones has raised concerns regarding their potential misuse for illicit activities, including espionage, smuggling, and terrorism. As technology advances, drones are becoming more affordable and easier to operate, giving rise to a new set of security challenges.
To address these challenges, there has been a need for the development and deployment of effective anti-drone measures. Governments, security agencies, and private organizations have been investing in technologies and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with drones. These measures include the use of radar and radio frequency detection systems, as well as the development of counter-drone technologies such as jamming and interception devices.
Despite the growing threat posed by drones in Africa, many African militaries are falling short in fielding adequate counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions, leaving security forces vulnerable to emerging threats.
The Boko Haram/ISWAP militant groups have been waging an
insurgency in northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing widespread death and displacement.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed a deadly attack in Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State. The assault resulted in the deaths of five Nigerian soldiers, ten wounded, and four missing in action. The militants also destroyed key military equipment, including a gun truck and several vehicles.
However, Nigerian forces killed several militants and recovered weapons and ammunition during the confrontation.
