By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Defence Headquarters has allayed the fears of Nigerians, particularly those living in the hotbeds of insurgency, over reports that terrorists are now armed with drones to make their operations more brutal.
A report has been making the rounds that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists have begun using drones to attack military bases.
According to this report, two separate drone incidents during the festive period left five soldiers injured.
This disturbing report prompted the reassuring statement from the Defence Headquarters.
Addressing a press briefing at the weekend, the Director of Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said the terrorists’ drones were not military-grade, adding that they posed minimal threats.
He said the aim of the terrorists was more of a harassment than an attack.
“These drones are not professional or military-grade drones; they are mere toys. These are toys that they went to buy and found a way to put one or two things on board and use them. They are not effective. Their use is more about harassment than any strategic or effective attack.”
Buba cautioned against undue alarm, stating the military’s readiness to counter such tactics.
“We are in a war against terrorists and insurgents, similar to what you see globally in conflict zones like Ukraine and Israel. The use of drones is not new in modern warfare.
“Since we now know that this is where their thinking and their thoughts are going, we have to take measures to control such attacks. I don’t call them really attacks; I call them harassment. We are prepared and have measures in place to mitigate their effects.”
