Nigeria’s military has backed local technology firm Terra Industries as it unveiled interceptor drones and mine-clearing unmanned vehicles aimed at supporting anti-insurgency operations.
Nigeria has seen an Islamist insurgency for more than 17 years, this year attacks have intensified, with militants increasingly deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones against military positions.
Terra, which had previously focused on civilian drone applications and security equipment, said the new systems mark its expansion into defence technology. “We are unveiling new defence systems such as our interceptor UAVs, our minesweepers, ground vehicles that can detect IEDs on the ground, and our battlefield intelligence software,” said Chief Executive Officer Nathan Nwachukwu.
Major General Babatunde Alaya, head of the state-run Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), said collaboration with Terra Industries was critical as the military faces rising casualties linked to roadside bombs.He said locally developed technologies could help improve detection capabilities and reduce risks to troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
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