Fresh intelligence uncovered by the Nigerian military have revealed a dangerous shift in insurgents tactics in the North-East, with terrorists increasingly deploying weaponised commercial drones for aerial attacks, while on-going investigations point to possible sponsors and external technical collaborators behind the emerging threat.
Defence intelligence sources told PRNigeria that insurgent groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram factions, are now modifying commercially available drones—originally designed for photography and filmmaking—into improvised aerial weapons.
The development comes on the heels of a major counter-terrorism breakthrough in the Malam Fatori axis of Borno State.
Last Tuesday, Nigerian troops carried out a coordinated decoy ambush operation that led to the elimination of two top ISWAP commanders and 84 terrorist fighters.
Following the operation, security operatives recovered what sources described as a “treasure trove” of intelligence materials, including mobile phones currently undergoing forensic analysis, handwritten diaries containing operational maps and strike plans, and technical manuals detailing the step-by-step modification of commercial drones.
Sources familiar with the on-going analysis disclosed that the recovered data have provided what they termed “compelling evidence” linking specific sponsors and external technical advisors to the insurgents’ evolving drone warfare strategy.
“There are clear indications that these modifications are not random. We are tracking supply routes, technical inputs, and financial backers supporting this shift,” a security source revealed.
Further investigations have uncovered a coordinated effort involving strategic sponsors and collaborators believed to be aiding the development and deployment of weaponised drones by insurgent groups operating in Borno State.
Military experts confirmed that the devices being used are not sophisticated military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but widely available commercial drones—commonly used by photographers and filmmakers—procured from open markets.
“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 source disclosed.
The source insisted that the threat is being actively contained through enhanced intelligence gathering, upgraded counter‑drone capabilities, and sustained offensive operations against terrorist hideouts.
In response to the emerging danger, the Nigerian military has intensified the deployment of counter‑drone measures, integrating electronic‑warfare systems with coordinated ground manoeuvres to detect, disrupt, and neutralise hostile aerial devices.
“One of the key strategies currently in use is frequency jamming, a technology designed to disrupt communication signals between drones and their operators.
“Once the signal is interfered with, the drone loses control and crashes before reaching its intended target. Also, the drone becomes inoperative and drops mid-air,” the source explained.
In addition, 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 enhancing inter-unit coordination during aerial threats. (PRNigeria)
