The Federal Government has bolstered the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, designated for deployment in the North-West region to combat insurgency and other security challenges.
Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, disclosed this during a winging ceremony held in Abuja for 43 personnel trained in operating and maintaining the drones.
The initiative, known as Project Guardian, aims to enhance military effectiveness in addressing security issues in the area.
Between May and September 2022, 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s routinely piloted aircraft system regiments underwent specialized training in Turkey to master the operation and maintenance of the Bayraktar TB2 drones.
The team comprised multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics specialists, and mechanical engineers and technicians.
Out of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.
During the ceremony, General Ogeleka winged 22 personnel, noting that the remaining individuals are actively involved in operational duties.