The Federal Government has significantly enhanced the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, primarily deployed to address security challenges in the North-West region.
Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, made this announcement during the winging ceremony for 43 personnel trained to operate and maintain the drones.
This initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to bolster military operations against insurgency and other threats in the region.
Between May and September 2022, 46 Nigerian Army personnel, including 35 officers and 11 soldiers, received specialized training in Turkey.
The training covered operation and maintenance skills, encompassing piloting, mission operations, avionics, and mechanical engineering for the Bayraktar TB2 drones.
At the winging ceremony, General Ogeleka highlighted that 14 of the personnel are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.
While 22 of these trained personnel were present for the ceremony, others are actively engaged in ongoing operational duties.
This development is expected to enhance the Nigerian Army’s ability to respond effectively to insurgency and other security challenges in the region.