# Jihadists in Nigeria launches drone assault

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/12/jihadists-in-nigeria-launches-drone-assault/
- Published: 2024-12-24T00:22:22+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

Jihadists group Boko Haram attacked two bases in Northeastern Nigeria, with a swarm
of drones that exploded on impact, and injuring five soldiers.

On December 24, militants launched a drone assault on a
Forward Operating Base (
FOB) in Wajiroko, Borno State.

This was followed by a second attack on a military base in Yobe
State, where armed
drones were used to target Nigerian forces. In the attack, Boko Haram deployed four
armed drones carrying locally made grenades in a coordinated assault.

Around 13:00 on December 24, militants attacked FOB Wajiroko
in Borno using mortars
and firearms but were repelled byNigerian troops. Moments later, at 13:23, the base
was hit againby multiple armed drones carrying locally made grenades, damaging a
gun truck. Five soldiers were injured, but no militants were reported killed. The
injured troops received first aid and were evacuated for further treatment.

In a related incident, militants launched a second attack in Yobe
State, targeting
a military base with fighter drones. Two more such attacks have happened in Damaturu,
Yobe State, and Abadam on Lake Chad.

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This attack mirrors the one in Borno, highlighting the increasing use of drone technology
by militant groups in the region. In addition to the urgent need for a [comprehensive counter-unmanned systems strategy.](https://www.military.africa/2023/04/counter-uav-african-militaries-playing-catch-up-despite-presence-of-drone-threat/)

The group first used drones for propaganda and surveillance, following in the [footsteps](https://issafrica.org/iss-today/drones-in-the-hands-of-insurgents-how-africa-can-prepare)
of extremists and insurgents in Somalia, Libya, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic
of the Congo.

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Similarly, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter faction of
Boko Haram since 2014, has utilized drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance(
ISR), and propaganda purposes.

Operating primarily in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, the group has
progressively enhanced its tactical sophistication.

The weaponisation of drones in Lake Chad Basin means non-state actors are now using
aerial technology to enhance their operational capacity. That represents a disturbing
evolution in tactics and sophistication, and raises the question of how regional
forces can adapt to this new warfare.

The increasing accessibility of drones has raised concerns regarding their potential
misuse for illicit activities, including espionage, smuggling, and terrorism. As
technology advances, drones are becoming more affordable and easier to operate, 
giving rise to a new set of security challenges.

To address these challenges, there has been a need for the development and deployment
of [effective anti-drone measures](https://www.military.africa/2023/12/anti-drone-technologies-in-africa-all-you-need-to-know/).
Governments, security agencies, and private organizations have been investing in
technologies and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with drones. These 
measures include the use of radar and radio frequency detection systems, as well
as the development of counter-drone technologies such as jamming and interception
devices.

Despite the growing threat posed by drones in Africa, many [African militaries are falling short in fielding adequate counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions](https://www.military.africa/2023/04/counter-uav-african-militaries-playing-catch-up-despite-presence-of-drone-threat/?amp=1),
leaving security forces vulnerable to emerging threats.

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The Boko Haram/ISWAP militant groups have been waging an
insurgency in northeastern
Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing widespread death and displacement.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed a deadly
attack in Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State. The assault resulted in the 
deaths of five Nigerian soldiers, ten wounded, and four missing in action. The militants
also destroyed key military equipment, including a gun truck and several vehicles.

However, Nigerian forces killed several militants and recovered weapons and ammunition
during the confrontation.

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