The military high command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the use of drones by terrorists in Nigeria, amid growing concerns over the deployment of sophisticated aerial devices in recent attacks, particularly in the North East.
Michael Onoja, the director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), disclosed this on Friday while briefing defence correspondents in Abuja.
Onoja said the investigation is being carried out in collaboration with other relevant security and intelligence agencies, with the aim of identifying the sources of the drones and cutting off supply routes to non-state actors.
According to him, agencies with the technical expertise to counter drone deployment have been fully engaged, and concrete actions are expected to emerge in the coming days or months.
“We have reached an advanced stage in taking measures, in conjunction with other federal government agencies, to trace where these drones are coming from.
“I believe that in the next couple of days or months, concrete action will emerge on what we intend to do,” Onoja said.
In recent months, terrorist groups operating in the North East have increasingly deployed drones to launch attacks on civilians and security personnel.
The development has sparked public debate and raised questions among security experts about how such devices are being procured and smuggled into the country.
Responding to allegations circulating on social media that soldiers manning checkpoints in Bauchi State were being forced to remit weekly sums of money to their commanders, Onoja dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated.
He stressed that the Nigerian military operates transparently and assured that any allegation backed by verifiable details would be thoroughly investigated.
On the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Onoja described the development as a clear indicator of improved security in previously volatile communities.
According to him, sustained military operations, in conjunction with the Federal Government’s stabilisation efforts, have created conditions conducive for displaced persons to return home safely.
“The military, in conjunction with the Federal Government, has done everything within its capacity to ensure the necessary security in those areas. The return of refugees is a clear measure of operational success,” he said.
Highlighting operational outcomes for the month under review, Onoja disclosed that troops across various theatres killed several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, and rescued about 284 kidnapped victims.
He added that 124 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the period.
In the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage, Onoja said troops recovered 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of diesel, 660 litres of kerosene and 5,000 litres of petrol.
“A total of 53 illegal refining sites were also discovered and destroyed nationwide”, he added.
