By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Nigerian military has partnered with indigenous technology company, Briech UAS to begin the local production of military-grade attack drones, a move authorities describe as a major step toward strengthening the country’s domestic defence capabilities amid persistent security challenges.
The initiative, according to security experts, is aimed at reducing dependence on foreign military hardware while improving Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats.
The partnership was formally unveiled in April 2025 at Briech UAS headquarters in Abuja, where Africa’s first and largest homegrown attack drones and locally manufactured aerial bombs were presented to the public.
Military officials said the development aligns with Nigeria’s broader push for self-reliance in defence technology, local innovation and cost-effective procurement in the face of evolving security demands.
According to defence sources, the drones are designed for combat missions, intelligence gathering and surveillance, with live demonstrations highlighting their potential use in precision airstrikes and battlefield reconnaissance.
The systems are expected to support ongoing operations against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as armed bandits operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
By mid-2025, reports indicated that Nigeria was increasingly integrating domestically produced unmanned aerial systems into its counter-terrorism strategy, with a more formal operational debut recorded in November 2025. Security analysts say the shift reflects both strategic necessity and lessons learned from years of counter-insurgency operations that require rapid deployment, situational awareness and reduced operational costs.
The development has been widely described by military officials as a historic milestone, positioning Nigeria as the first African country to manufacture and deploy indigenous military-grade attack drones at scale.
Recent air operations in Borno State, involving coordinated drone strikes alongside A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, underscore the growing role of unmanned systems in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to degrade insurgent networks and restore security in conflict-affected regions.
