Fresh intelligence findings by the Nigerian military have revealed a disturbing shift in insurgent tactics in the North-East, with terrorist groups increasingly deploying weaponised commercial drones for aerial attacks.
Defence intelligence sources disclosed to PRNigeria that ongoing investigations have also uncovered possible sponsors and foreign technical collaborators backing the emerging threat.
According to sources, insurgent groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram factions, are now converting commercially available drones – originally designed for photography and filmmaking – into improvised aerial weapons.
Military experts explained that the drones, widely accessible in open markets, are being fitted with locally fabricated explosive payloads and triggering mechanisms.
A defence source said, “The insurgents have modified the drones by attaching locally fabricated explosive payloads and triggering mechanisms, enabling them to conduct remote-controlled aerial strikes on strategic locations and civilian targets.”
The development follows a major counter-terrorism success in the Malam Fatori axis of Borno State.
On Tuesday, Nigerian troops carried out a coordinated decoy ambush operation, resulting in the elimination of two top ISWAP commanders and 84 terrorist fighters.
Following the operation, security operatives recovered what was described as a “treasure trove” of intelligence materials.
Items recovered include mobile phones currently undergoing forensic analysis, handwritten diaries containing operational maps and strike plans, and technical manuals detailing step-by-step procedures for modifying commercial drones into weapons.
Sources said the recovered materials have provided “compelling evidence” linking specific sponsors and external technical advisers to the insurgents’ evolving drone warfare strategy.
Intelligence sources revealed that investigations have uncovered a coordinated network of sponsors and collaborators aiding insurgents in the development and deployment of weaponised drones.
One source stated, “There are clear indications that these modifications are not random. We are tracking supply routes, technical inputs, and financial backers supporting this shift.”
In response to the growing threat, the Nigerian military has stepped up counter-drone operations through enhanced intelligence gathering and deployment of electronic warfare systems.
The military is combining these measures with sustained ground offensives targeting terrorist enclaves.
A key strategy being deployed is frequency jamming, a technology designed to disrupt communication signals between drones and their operators.
Explaining the process, a military source said, “One of the key strategies currently in use is frequency jamming. Once the signal is interfered with, the drone loses control and crashes before reaching its intended target.”
He added, “Once the frequency is jammed, the drone becomes inoperative and drops mid-air.”
Additionally, troops have undergone specialised training to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones through coordinated ground fire.
The training focuses on recognising drone movement patterns, improving response timing, and strengthening inter-unit coordination during aerial threats.
