The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed deep concern over the growing influence of Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist groups in Nigeria, West Africa, and the broader Sahel region. The NAF warns that these groups are exploiting weak governance structures to expand their operations, posing a serious threat to national and regional security.
Speaking at a high-level meeting at NAF headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, stressed the urgent need for enhanced regional security collaboration. He noted that the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin have enabled extremist groups to sustain their activities, underscoring the necessity for coordinated efforts among affected nations.
Abubakar highlighted the evolving landscape of modern warfare, pointing out that terrorist organizations increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, drone technology, and social media for recruitment, propaganda, and operational planning. He cited global conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa as examples of how these technologies are shaping the nature of asymmetric warfare.
One alarming development, according to Abubakar, is the use of drones by terrorist groups. He referenced a recent Boko Haram attack in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area, where militants deployed drones carrying improvised grenades in a kamikaze-style assault on Nigerian troops. This, he said, highlights the growing sophistication of extremist tactics and the urgent need for the military to implement advanced counter-drone defense systems.
Beyond land-based threats, Abubakar also raised concerns about security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He warned that maritime crimes, including piracy and illegal oil bunkering, continue to endanger regional stability and economic security. To combat these threats, he advocated for sustained aerial surveillance and stronger international cooperation in maritime security operations.
The CAS concluded by emphasizing the need to refine Nigeria’s military doctrines and integrate advanced technology into national defense strategies. He called for improved intelligence sharing and strategic partnerships to counter both conventional and unconventional security threats in Nigeria and the region at large.
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