The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed concern about the growing influence of extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel region.
According to the NAF, these groups are exploiting weak governance structures to strengthen their presence, posing a serious threat to both national and regional security.
During a high-level meeting at NAF headquarters in Abuja, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), emphasized the urgent need for enhanced regional security cooperation.
He noted that the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin have enabled extremist groups to sustain their operations, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts among affected nations to tackle these security challenges.
Abubakar highlighted the changing nature of modern warfare, pointing out the increasing use of artificial intelligence, drone technology, and social media manipulation, which have altered the dynamics of asymmetric conflicts.
He referenced lessons learned from conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, which demonstrate a growing reliance on technological tools to shape war narratives and carry out attacks.
One significant example of this trend was a kamikaze-style attack by Boko Haram in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area, using drones equipped with locally fabricated grenades.
According to Abubakar, this incident illustrates the growing sophistication of terrorist tactics and underscores the need for the Nigerian military to develop effective countermeasures.
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He stressed the importance of implementing a comprehensive counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to protect military personnel and air assets.
Abubakar also highlighted ongoing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, including maritime crimes such as piracy and illegal oil bunkering, which continue to threaten regional stability.
He called for sustained aerial surveillance and stronger international cooperation to enhance maritime security.
To address these complex threats, the CAS advocated for refining military doctrines and adopting advanced technological capabilities to improve operational effectiveness.
He also emphasized the need for increased intelligence sharing and strategic partnerships to counter both conventional and unconventional security threats in Nigeria and across the region.
