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| Soldiers survey site after overnight drone attack |
The Nigerian Army says, Boko Haram now uses armed drones in Borno. These drones mirror those from Israel and Ukraine. Troops on the ground first spotted them during night raids in Dikwa and Marte districts. The army called the threat “urgent” and vowed new counter-drone steps .
Insurgents flew small quadcopters loaded with homemade grenades. Soldiers watched them hover near defensive walls before an attack. One base saw four drones drop bombs in quick succession . That marked the first known armed drone strike by Boko Haram.
Military spokespeople say the drones match Israeli-made Mavic models and Ukrainian FPV types. Those craft deliver 350-gram warheads with stabilizing fins. They pack more punch than simple photo drones . Experts link the change to outside help.
Some analysts point to Islamic State advisers training militants. France’s CNRS has reports of foreign trainers in Sambisa Forest . A Hudson fellow notes the drone use shows fresh funding for ISWAP and Boko Haram .
The insurgency began in 2009 over school bans. It grew brutal under Mohammed Yusuf and later Shekau. Splits led to ISWAP in 2016. Infighting eased early 2025, shifting focus to tech upgrades . Now drones join roadside bombs in attacks across Borno.
Before, militants used drones only for scouting. New weapons transform battlefield reach. They drop grenades, small explosives and burst through weak air defenses .
Notable Drone Attacks
1. Wajiroko Base, Dec 24, 2024: Four drones struck at dawn. Grenades fell near guard posts. Troops suffered casualties but repelled the raid .
2, Marte District, May 12, 2025: Militants besieged 153 Task Force Battalion. They flew two armed drones before a ground assault. Soldiers fled to Dikwa, but lost men and gear .
3, Dikwa District, May 13, 2025: Drones scouted the 24 Task Force Brigade base at midnight. Grenades exploded on perimeter towers. Five soldiers died and several eluded capture .
Security specialists warn this is a new phase. Small drones evade radars and jets. They say Nigeria’s air defenses must adapt quickly. Some recommend jamming tech and low-cost counter-drones .
A CNRS fellow reports ex-fighters teaching bomb rigging. He notes militants’ skill rise since 2024 . A Hudson Institute expert adds that outside funds fuel drone buys .
The Defence HQ calls the drone threat “urgent.” It plans radar upgrades and drone jammers. Troops will get drone-hunting rifles and nets. A spokesman said drills start this month .
Borno’s governor backed new tech. He urged regional partners to share drone data. He wants UN help to track militant supply routes .
Drone use marks Boko Haram’s tech leap in West Africa. Similar strikes hit Mali and Burkina Faso since early 2025 . Experts fear spillover into Niger and Chad.
The Multinational Joint Task Force sees waivers on drone exports, but non-state craft slip through. Western firms track parts via online markets. Calls grow for stricter checks on drone kits shipped to the region.
Some locals fear stronger air defenses may harm civilians. They ask for clear rules on drone jamming flights. Rights groups warn against broad no-fly zones. They worry farmers and aid flights face bans.
Critics say Nigeria must pair tech with better local patrols. Community scouts can spot hidden launchers. They stress wins come from tight intel and local trust.
Readers, what do you think of drones in this war? How should Africa boost its defenses? Share views below.