# Nigerian Army acquires Electronic Warfare Capabilities

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/10/nigerian-army-acquires-electronic-warfare-capabilities/
- Published: 2023-10-24T07:18:44+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

In an era defined by the convergence of technology and military prowess, the Nigerian
Army is embracing the future of warfare with open arms. The Chief of Army Staff (
COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, recently unveiled a significant stride in the Nigerian
Army’s arsenal – electronic warfare capabilities, coupled with a strategic foray
into the world of cyber warfare. This announcement came during the inauguration 
of the Maiden Cyber Security Workshop of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School (
NACWS) in Abuja.

Electronic warfare, also known as electromagnetic warfare (EW), involves the utilization
of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control, disrupt, or counteract
the enemy’s use of this spectrum. The primary goal of electronic warfare is to prevent
adversaries from gaining an advantage while ensuring that friendly forces enjoy 
uninterrupted access to the electromagnetic spectrum.

Represented by the Deputy Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre(
NAHFC), Maj.-Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, the COAS said the Nigerian Army had in the past,
made very limited inroad in its attempt at acquiring electronic warfare capabilities.
Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja stressed that Nigeria had previously made limited progress
in acquiring electronic warfare capabilities. The constraints primarily revolved
around the high cost of devices and a deficiency in technical expertise within the
army.

“This is because ICT networks are also dependent upon the myriad properties of the
Electromagnetic Spectrum for their essential connectivity in cyberspace, an environment
where a number of actors operate to create exponential effects when compared to 
other domains.” Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said.

While it remains undisclosed precisely which electronic warfare equipment has been
acquired, acquired for its electronic warfare operations, as well as the structure
that is, if it’s field deployable or at the national level. Nevertheless, Electronic
warfare generally consists of three components:

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 1. **Electronic Attack (EA):** This facet involves offensive measures, using electromagnetic
    energy weapons, directed energy weapons, or anti-radiation weapons to target enemy
    personnel, facilities, or equipment. The primary goal is to neutralize or degrade
    the enemy’s combat capability.
 2. **Electronic Protection (EP):** Also known as electronic protective measures (EPM)
    or electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), this aspect serves to shield against
    electronic attacks while protecting friendly forces from inadvertently launching
    electronic attacks on their own troops.
 3. **Electronic Warfare Support (ES):** ES revolves around activities undertaken to
    detect, intercept, identify, locate, and localize the sources of intended or unintended
    electromagnetic energy. This facet aids in immediate threat recognition and plays
    a pivotal role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

The establishment of the [Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare School](https://www.military.africa/2018/09/nigerian-army-cyber-warfare-command/)
further amplifies the significance of this leap. It underscores Nigeria’s commitment
to not only maintain military technological parity but also to secure critical infrastructure
in the face of evolving threats, such as counter-terrorism, militia attacks, armed
banditry, and pipeline vandalism.

This move is timely, reflecting the global shift towards cyber warfare. Cyberwarfare
involves cyberattacks against enemy states, which can cause comparable harm to traditional
warfare while disrupting vital computer systems. The potential outcomes of cyber
warfare encompass espionage, sabotage, propaganda, manipulation, or economic warfare.

The Nigerian Army’s cyber command is poised to bolster national defence by monitoring
military networks and guiding field commanders in utilizing newly procured computer-
based weapon systems. Additionally, it will play a pivotal role in protecting critical
national infrastructure.

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The Cyber Command subsequently [acquired](https://www.military.africa/2021/09/nigerian-army-operating-turkish-svs-satellite-systems/)
several SVSAT120 Ka-Band Motorized VSAT Antenna mounted on Toyota Land Cruiser trucks
for enhanced battlefield communications. Designed in Turkey, the SVS Satellite Systems
would help improve communications and enhance combat coordination for the Nigerian
forces currently battling various security threats in the country.

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Last year, Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi, reiterated
the government’s commitment to [promote cybernetics](https://www.military.africa/2022/03/nigerian-military-to-shore-up-cyberspace-defence/)
in national defence and security. In doing so, he recognized the evolving threat
landscape posed by non-state actors that are technologically driven and continually
advancing in sophistication and complexity.

As the Nigerian Army embarks on this transformative journey into electronic and 
cyber warfare, it positions itself at the forefront of a digital battlefield, primed
to tackle modern threats and safeguard the nation’s security imperatives. This strategic
move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring the nation remains on the cutting
edge of defence capabilities, ultimately securing the future of its military landscape.

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