The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that it is collaborating with other Federal Government agencies to identify the sources of drones being used by terrorist groups and prevent their deployment in attacks across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on recent military operations and achievements.
In recent months, terrorist groups operating mainly in the North-East have increasingly relied on drones to carry out surveillance and attacks on civilians and security forces, a development that has raised security concerns and questions about how such technology is entering Nigeria.
Addressing the issue, Onoja said investigations into the origin and supply channels of the drones had progressed significantly.
“We are working closely with relevant Federal Government agencies to trace where these drones are coming from.
The process has reached an advanced stage, and in the coming days or months, decisive actions will be taken,” he said.
He added that agencies with the technical capacity to disrupt and prevent unauthorised drone usage had already been engaged.
“Those agencies that have the capacity to stop the use of drones have been contacted, and we are confident that concrete steps will be implemented very soon,” Onoja stated.
Reacting to social media claims alleging that soldiers manning checkpoints in parts of Bauchi State were being forced to remit weekly payments to their superiors, Onoja described the reports as unverified.
He maintained that the Nigerian military operates transparently and assured that investigations would be conducted if credible evidence was presented.
“For now, these remain allegations. However, if anyone provides concrete details and the claims are confirmed, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken,” he said.
On the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Onoja said the development was a reflection of improved security in previously affected communities, attributing it to sustained military operations.
“The return of refugees shows that security has improved significantly in those areas. The military, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has done everything possible to restore peace,” he noted.
Providing updates on operations under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, Onoja said troops continued to deny Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad freedom of movement.
According to him, joint operations involving ground troops, the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrests of collaborators and rescue of kidnapped victims.
“Operations were carried out in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba and Konduga local government areas of Borno State, as well as parts of Adamawa and Yobe States. During these encounters, several terrorists were neutralised, 17 suspects arrested and 12 kidnapped victims rescued,” he said.
In Plateau State, Onoja said troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded swiftly to distress calls, conducting offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna State.
He disclosed that the operations resulted in the neutralisation of extremists, the arrest of 86 suspected criminals and the rescue of 24 abducted persons, alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition.
