Nigeria Turns to Local Tech as Military Backs Startup’s Anti-Insurgency Drones

Nigeria’s military is increasingly looking inward for battlefield solutions, backing a local startup that has unveiled new drone and mine-clearing technologies aimed at tackling the country’s worsening insurgency.

At a demonstration in Abuja, Terra Industries introduced a suite of defence systems, including interceptor drones designed to counter aerial threats and unmanned ground vehicles built to detect and neutralise improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The move reflects a broader shift in strategy as security forces confront evolving threats from armed groups that have, in recent months, intensified attacks using drones and roadside explosives.

Speaking at the event, Terra Industries’ chief executive, Nathan Nwachukwu, said the company is expanding beyond its earlier focus on civilian drone applications to develop tools tailored for modern warfare. According to him, the new systems also include battlefield intelligence software to support surveillance and decision-making in conflict zones.

Nigeria has battled insurgency, particularly in the northeast, for over a decade, but recent tactics adopted by militants have raised fresh concerns within the military. The increased use of IEDs has contributed to rising casualties among troops, underscoring the need for more advanced detection and response capabilities.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the state-owned body responsible for military production, signalled strong support for the collaboration. Its director-general, Babatunde Alaya, noted that partnerships with local innovators are becoming critical as the armed forces seek to reduce dependence on foreign equipment while responding faster to threats on the ground.

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The unveiling highlights a growing push to build domestic defence capacity, with authorities betting that homegrown solutions could offer more adaptable and cost-effective responses to Nigeria’s security challenges.

Beyond immediate battlefield use, analysts say such collaborations could also position Nigeria as a regional hub for defence technology in Africa, if sustained investment and policy backing follow.