Newly certified UAV operators expected to enhance intelligence gathering and reduce risks in anti-banditry missions
The Nigerian Army has graduated 27 drone pilots as part of efforts to boost surveillance capabilities and improve operational efficiency in the country’s North-West region.
The personnel, drawn from various units under the Army’s 8 Division, completed their training at the Division Training School in Giginya Military Cantonment, Kaduna. The programme is part of ongoing military reforms aimed at integrating modern technology into security operations.
According to army officials, the initiative aligns with Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a joint task force targeting banditry and insecurity across states including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, emphasised that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has become essential in modern military operations. He noted that drones provide improved situational awareness, support real-time intelligence gathering, and reduce the exposure of troops to danger.
The training programme combined theoretical and practical components, equipping participants with skills in drone navigation, aerial surveillance, imaging, and tactical manoeuvres. The course concluded with live demonstrations, where the newly trained pilots showcased their operational proficiency.
Military authorities say the deployment of these drone operators will strengthen field operations by enabling troops to monitor hostile environments, track criminal movements, and make more informed tactical decisions.
The development reflects a broader shift within Nigeria’s armed forces toward technology-driven warfare, as security agencies increasingly adopt advanced tools to combat evolving threats.
With the addition of trained drone pilots, the Nigerian Army is expected to enhance intelligence-led operations in the North-West, where security challenges remain persistent.