Nigerian Army resorts to the use of drones and high tech uniforms in renewed push against Boko Haram

NIGERIAN Army commanders have introduced the use of drones into their operations across the northeast as part of a renewed offensive against terrorist sect Boko Haram in a fresh push to dislodge the terrorists from their strongholds.

Since 2009, Boko Haram have been fighting a war of insurgency against Nigeria and at one stage controlled 13 local government areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Since 2014, however, the Nigerian Army has succeeded in reclaiming most of this territory and limiting the sect to the Sambisa Forest in Borno State but of late, Boko Haram has enjoyed a resurgence.

Over the last few months, Boko Haram has stepped up its attacks against military formations in Borno State and it believed that the sect is being trained by highly skilled foreign mercenaries. Military observers say that Boko Haram is being trained by Islamic State to use drones to mount attacks, so in response, the Nigerian Army has decided to go hi-tech too.

Chief of army staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, said that applications of drones and new technologies were critical in modern warfare, to ensure the successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign. He disclosed that the Nigerian Army had utilised drones in surveillance and research, adding that the process was effective in the execution of its operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

General Buratai said: “Now, even the uniform is technology-based, as it will be tagged wherever you are and it sends signal when you are in danger. These issues are very important as technology is playing an important role in warfare and we are not left out as we have in place a transformation and innovation department.

“This department is working on research and developments not only on basic equipment but equally more scientific and technological facilities to enable us to carry out our operations. We are also working on deployment of drones as the Nigerian Air Force has been deploying drones in our operations in the northeast and they are deploying more, which have been very effective."

He added that the military has also deployed modern hardware, rehabilitated offices and housing accommodation, offered clinics and executed viable projects for the improvement of troop welfare and boost their morale. General Buratai stressed that the military would equally deploy modern scanning machines to check vehicular movements and enhance security on highways.

In addition, General Buratai lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his support to the military, adding that the gesture facilitated significant successes recorded against the insurgents. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to end the insurgency, restore peace to the northeast, remain apolitical and stay disciplined and professional in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.