The memorandum of understanding signed in London, formalises a partnership between MARSS, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, and local partners to deliver a national C4I programme.

The multi-year initiative will deploy MARSS’s NiDAR AI-enabled command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence system, alongside training, spares, and ongoing support.

A national command centre and regional hubs will be linked to sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and expeditionary platforms, creating a unified operational picture across air and land domains to strengthen counter-terrorism and national security operations.

Integrated AI Systems to Boost National Security

The programme marks one of the first national-scale adoptions of AI-enabled C4I in Africa. It will deploy a fleet of expeditionary platforms equipped with sensors, unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles (UAVs), and new regional command centres networked with a national headquarters.

All elements will be integrated through MARSS’ NiDAR system, delivering a unified operational picture across air and land domains.

Two of NiDAR’s latest upgrades will be leveraged: NiDAR Nation Shield, which provides a single operational picture from tactical units to national command, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making; and NiDAR Autonomous Mission Management (AMM), which allows operators to autonomously task and deploy uncrewed assets, turning UAVs, UGVs, and USVs into intelligent, autonomous sensors within the broader defence ecosystem.

Expanding capabilities and regional security architecture

The MARSS deal strengthens Nigeria’s military with an AI-enabled, multi-dimensional defence capability.

By integrating expeditionary vehicles, regional centres, and a national headquarters into a single tactical picture, the NiDAR system will be scalable and future-proofed, said Rob Balloch, Chief Growth Officer at MARSS.

UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker called the agreement a continuation of the “deep, longstanding security and defence relationship” between the UK and Nigeria, highlighting the delivery of world-leading technology to support counter-terrorism efforts.

The partnership is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify defence procurement, including sourcing equipment from the US, Turkey, and other partners.

Analysts note this follows tensions with US President Donald Trump over alleged treatment of Christians, as Abuja seeks both technological advantage and strategic autonomy.

The MARSS programme is expected to boost operational effectiveness and integrate advanced AI technology into Nigeria’s defence landscape, signalling a strengthening of the country’s security partnerships across Europe, North America, and beyond. (Business Insider Africa)

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