Nigerian Army investing in drones to strengthen operations— COAS

The Nigerian Army has said it is deliberately investing in drones and other modern military technologies to strengthen operations and improve battlefield effectiveness.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.

The event brought together serving and retired senior military officers for lectures, demonstrations, and strategic discussions focused on improving counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts.

Oluyede explained that modern warfare is increasingly driven by technology and intelligence-led operations.

“We are deliberately investing in technology-driven capabilities, including drones, to improve situational awareness and operational success in the field,” he said.

He added that the Army is expanding the use of drones, surveillance systems, and combat aviation to enhance precision and improve troop efficiency.

However, he stressed that technology alone is not enough, noting that well-trained and adaptable personnel remain essential for success on the battlefield.

“Success in today’s operations is not just about having equipment, but about having well-trained, resilient, and adaptive soldiers who can use these tools effectively,” Oluyede said.

The training programme featured live-fire exercises, armoured vehicle demonstrations, infantry drills, and simulated battlefield scenarios designed to reflect real combat conditions.

Senior officers also participated in lectures on emerging threats, counterterrorism strategies, and modern warfare dynamics.

The exercise concluded with a pulling-out ceremony in honour of retired infantry generals, marking the end of the 2026 Combat Arms Training Week.

The Army said the programme reflects its continued commitment to modernisation, professional development, and efforts to address insecurity across the country.

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