SECURITY: ARMY ACQUIRES 43 DRONES, WINGS 46 TURKEY-TRAINED PERSONNEL

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The purchase of forty-three Bayraktar TB2 drones by the federal government has increased the Nigerian Army’s operational capability, mainly for use in the North-West theatre of operations.

This was revealed in Abuja by Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command.

“The initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region,” said Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, speaking in Abuja during the winging ceremony of 43 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.

General Ogeleka explained that between May and September 2022, a team of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s routinely piloted aircraft system regiments underwent specialised training in Turkey on the operation and maintenance of the Bayraktar TB2 drones.

He added that the training crew included multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics, and mechanical engineers and technicians.

Out of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.

General Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained personnel for the winging ceremony, noting that the others are actively engaged in operational duties.