Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has said it is working with other government agencies to determine how terrorists are acquiring drones and to stop their use, as investigations have reached an advanced stage.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this in Abuja while briefing journalists on recent military activities.
He said terrorist groups in the North-East have increased drone attacks in recent months, targeting both civilians and security personnel. This has raised concerns about how the terrorists gain access to the equipment.
According to Onoja, the military is collaborating with relevant agencies to trace the sources of the drones and prevent their use by non-state actors.
“We have reached an advanced stage in taking measures, in conjunction with other Federal Government agencies, to trace where these drones are coming from,” he said.
“I believe that in the next couple of days or months, concrete action will emerge on what we intend to do.”
He added that agencies with the technical capacity to block or disrupt drone operations are already involved in the effort.
Onoja also reacted to claims on social media that soldiers at checkpoints in Bauchi State were being forced to pay weekly sums to their commanders.
He described the report as an allegation and said the military would only act if credible information is provided.
“If the allegations are found to be true, necessary action will be taken,” he said, stressing that the armed forces remain open and transparent.
On the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Onoja said it was a sign that security was improving in affected areas.
He explained that the military and the Federal Government have worked to make communities safe again, allowing displaced people to return home.
