In a troubling escalation of violence, Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly begun using armed drones to target Nigerian soldiers in the northeast. Military sources confirmed that the group launched a coordinated assault on Saturday, combining drone strikes with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in an attempt to overrun troop positions in Borno State.
The incident marks one of the first reported uses of weaponized drones by the insurgent group, signaling a dangerous shift in its operational tactics.
Security analysts warn that this development could significantly challenge Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, especially in the country’s volatile northeast, where Boko Haram and its splinter faction, ISWAP, continue to operate.
The attack has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, many of whom view the development as a sign of deepening insecurity and gaps in the nation’s defense system.
An X user identified as EngrFab wrote: “Soon these guys will lay their hands on ballistic missiles. They’re more equipped than the Nigerian military because the top generals embezzle the money meant for defense. Nigerians are cooked.”
Another commentator on X, Enakenah, emphasized the need for international assistance: “The new use of sophisticated weapons like armed drones highlights a major technical gap. Nigeria’s military may lack sufficient counter-drone capabilities and advanced intelligence systems. International partners should help bridge this gap.”
Security experts have called on the Nigerian government to invest in modern surveillance and counter-drone technologies, improve troop welfare, and strengthen intelligence-sharing partnerships to respond effectively to emerging threats.
As of press time, the Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported drone assault, but sources say reinforcement teams have been deployed to secure the affected area.
