Military Probes New Tactics as Insurgents Combine Drones, IEDs, and Gunfire
In a frightening escalation of its warfare strategy, Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly begun using armed drones to target Nigerian military formations — a development that has sparked deep concern within security circles.
According to reliable military sources, the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on Saturday, employing weaponized drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and heavy gunfire in an attempt to overrun troop positions in Borno State.
The terrorists, believed to be elements from both the Shekau and Al-Barnawi factions, carried out the attack with precision, dropping explosives from drones while ground fighters attempted to breach fortified military defenses.
Troops, however, stood their ground and repelled the onslaught after several hours of intense firefight. Though details remain sketchy, a number of soldiers reportedly sustained injuries, and some military equipment was damaged in the confrontation.
A senior officer familiar with the operation told Daily Trust:
> “This is the first time we’re witnessing Boko Haram deploy armed drones in combat. It signals a new and dangerous phase in their operations.”
The incident quickly gained nationwide attention after Nigerian Stories, a popular verified media platform, shared footage and details on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, prompting widespread alarm and debate across social media.
Security analysts say the development is deeply troubling, as it suggests that the terror group may now have access to foreign-supplied technology or sophisticated smuggling networks through the porous borders of the Lake Chad region.
Military intelligence sources confirmed that fragments of the drones and explosive devices recovered from the scene are currently being examined to determine their origin, model, and potential foreign linkages.
Defence authorities have reportedly placed troops in the northeast on heightened alert, while air surveillance teams have been deployed to monitor possible insurgent movements.
Experts warn that the use of armed drones by non-state actors poses an unprecedented threat to national and regional security, calling for urgent investment in counter-drone systems and enhanced intelligence coordination among security agencies.
If fully confirmed, Saturday’s assault would mark one of the most alarming technological leaps in Boko Haram’s history, underscoring the evolving nature of Nigeria’s battle against terrorism — and the urgent need for a stronger, tech-driven response.
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