The Nigerian Army has bolstered its operational capabilities with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, aimed at enhancing counterinsurgency efforts in the North-West region.

Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, made the announcement during a ceremony in Abuja, which also marked the winging of personnel trained to operate and maintain the drones.

The initiative, known as Project Guardian, is part of a larger strategy to tackle insurgency and other security challenges.

Between May and September 2022, 35 officers and 11 soldiers underwent specialized training in Turkey to learn the operation and maintenance of the advanced drones.

The training covered areas such as multi-piloted aircraft piloting, mission operations, avionics, mechanical engineering, and technical maintenance.

Of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are certified as multi-piloted aircraft pilots, 7 as mission operators, and 23 as engineers and technicians.

General Ogeleka noted that 22 of the trained personnel were present at the ceremony, while the remaining members are already involved in active operations. This acquisition and training initiative reflects the Nigerian Army’s dedication to using modern technology to enhance its defense capabilities.