The Defence Headquarters has dismissed concerns over drones used by terrorist groups, describing them as mere “toys” that lack military-grade capability.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
According to Buba, the drones employed by the terrorists are ineffective and do not pose a significant threat in the counter-terrorism efforts.
“We are having a war against terrorists and insurgents across the country. When we are talking of drones, these are not professional drones, not military-grade drones. These are toys that you went to buy and found a way to put one or two things on board and use them,” he stated.
Buba further explained that while the use of drones in combat is not a new phenomenon, the ones deployed by these groups are of a lower class and capability.
He also debunked claims about the presence of a foreign military base in Nigeria, particularly a rumored French base, calling the reports “mischievous.”
This clarification comes in the wake of reports about a Christmas day drone attack on military bases in Yobe and Borno states, which reportedly injured at least six soldiers. The military has yet to comment on these specific incidents.
