Renowned security expert and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has warned that the rapid proliferation of drones across Africa now constitutes a grave and evolving security threat to Nigeria and its neighbours.

He made this known In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, stressing that urgent and coordinated action is required to confront the emerging danger.

Mumuni noted that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are increasingly deployed for intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted strikes in conflict zones across the continent.

“This development marks a significant shift in the character of modern warfare and exposes the vulnerabilities of traditional security frameworks,” he said, observing that both non-state actors and hostile state elements now possess the capability to operate drone technology with alarming effectiveness.

“Groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northeastern Nigeria, Al-Shabaab in Somalia and East Africa, as well as militant factions operating across the Sahel region, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, are increasingly deploying drones for reconnaissance missions and precision attacks,” he noted.

He emphasised that the trend carries direct and far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in areas already grappling with terrorism and insurgency.

“Our conventional defence mechanisms are no longer sufficient. We must rapidly adapt to this new operational reality to safeguard our nation and the wider region,” Mumuni stated.

He called on Nigerian security agencies to urgently strengthen intelligence and surveillance capabilities, advocating strategic investment in drone detection systems and comprehensive counter-drone frameworks.

“We must deploy advanced detection infrastructure, develop specialised counter-UAV strategies and train personnel to identify, intercept and neutralise aerial threats,” he advised.

Mumuni urged the Federal Government to institutionalise rapid-response tactical units capable of addressing emerging drone-related incidents with speed and precision.

He underscored the necessity of regional collaboration, noting that no single nation can effectively confront the challenge in isolation.

“Nigeria must deepen cooperation with neighbouring countries through intelligence-sharing mechanisms, coordinated security operations and joint strategic frameworks designed specifically to counter drone-enabled threats,” he said.

The security expert also highlighted the importance of establishing clear legal and ethical guidelines to regulate drone operations while safeguarding civilian populations and ensuring accountability.

“Robust policy frameworks must guarantee transparency in UAV deployment and prioritise the protection of innocent lives,” he added.

On innovation and self-reliance, Mumuni advocated substantial investment in indigenous drone technology.

“Strengthening local capacity in UAV research and development will enhance national preparedness and reduce dependence on foreign systems. Nigeria possesses the expertise and potential to design solutions tailored to its distinct security environment,” he stated.

Mumuni warned that the proliferation of drones across Africa represents a decisive turning point in the continent’s conflict dynamics.

“Effective deterrence and pre-emptive strategies are no longer optional; they are imperative. Nigeria and its neighbours must act proactively and collectively to secure the region and protect future generations,” he declared. (Nigerian Tribune)