The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raised concerns over the growing influence of Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist groups in Nigeria, West Africa, and the broader Sahel region, citing weak governance structures as a key factor enabling their expansion. In a statement yesterday, NAF echoed the federal government’s position that porous borders, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, have allowed extremist factions to thrive, presenting a persistent threat to national and regional security.
At a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), and Commandants at NAF headquarters in Abuja, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the need for comprehensive countermeasures to safeguard both military personnel and air assets. A major focus of the discussions was the implementation of an integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to address the growing threat of drone warfare.
“The rise of the electromagnetic spectrum, artificial intelligence, and the use of drones in asymmetric warfare is a key lesson learned from global conflicts, including those in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa,” Abubakar noted. He called for the development of strategies to adapt to these emerging threats, underscoring the need to refine military doctrines and leverage advanced technologies.
West Africa’s security landscape remains complex in 2024, with the Sahel continuing to experience heightened levels of terrorism and insurgency. Al-Qaeda-linked extremist groups are exploiting fragile governance to strengthen their foothold. Meanwhile, maritime crime, particularly piracy and illegal oil bunkering in the Gulf of Guinea, persists, requiring continued aerial surveillance and stronger regional collaboration.
Abubakar highlighted a significant incident in which Boko Haram terrorists employed drones carrying locally made grenades to attack Nigerian troops in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area. This attack demonstrated the increasing use of drone technology by terrorist groups and reinforced the need for a robust counter-UAV system.
Furthermore, the federal government has expressed concern over porous borders and ungoverned spaces, which continue to exacerbate terrorism and other security threats. The increasing operational success of terrorist groups has emboldened them to expand their reach, including attempts to move into coastal West African nations like the Benin Republic.
In response, the government is calling for a unified approach, focusing on coordinated air operations, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships to effectively combat the growing threat from extremist groups.
