Nigeria's Urgent Call: Confronting the New Asymmetric Warfare Threat
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its security framework, demanding immediate collective reflection and decisive action. Since the Boko Haram terrorist siege began in 2010, the nation has faced multi-dimensional insecurity, largely shaped by asymmetric warfare. Traditionally, this involves weaker parties using unconventional tactics against stronger adversaries, as seen in conflicts like Vietnam and Afghanistan.
The Paradigm Shift: New Asymmetric Warfare
However, this article addresses a new paradigm: the New Asymmetric Warfare, driven by missiles and drones that enable precision strikes from vast distances without ground troop deployment. This evolution fundamentally alters warfare, posing grave dangers to Nigeria's security and unity as a country.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict illustrates this shift starkly. Ukraine has effectively used low-cost drones to strike deep inside Russia, crippling naval assets in the Black Sea through sea drones and long-range UAVs. Similarly, the ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran feature exchanges of ballistic missiles and drones targeting population centers and military bases, all without large-scale invasions.
Emerging Threats to Nigeria
This new reality threatens Nigeria existentially. If centrifugal forces like Boko Haram, ISWAP in the northeast, or IPOB/ESN in the southeast adopt these tactics, the country could face unprecedented challenges. Imagine surveillance drones mapping military locations, followed by armed drones or missiles delivering precise strikes from hundreds of miles away, destroying command structures and assets.
This is not mere speculation. Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, raised alarms in October 2025, warning that Boko Haram insurgents are deploying armed drones for attacks and surveillance, labeling it a national security threat. In February 2026, Nigerian troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram drone supplier in the North-East, recovering drones and accessories, confirming active capability building.
Lessons from the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers a sobering comparison. Despite being less technologically advanced, the DRC has seen drones dominate conflicts in its eastern regions, with strikes in Goma in March 2026 killing civilians, including a French U.N. aid worker. Both government forces and rebels have employed advanced drone systems, highlighting rapid adoption. Nigeria's more sophisticated youth and industrial base leave no room for complacency.
Strategic Defensive Measures
To counter this looming danger, Nigeria must act urgently. Leveraging military and civilian talents is crucial. Civilian start-ups like Terra Industries in Abuja, founded by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, have raised significant funds and produce surveillance and counter-terrorism drones. Enugu-based Arone Technologies and collaborations with Briech UAS, which unveiled Africa's largest indigenous attack drones in April 2025, demonstrate existing homegrown capacity.
These efforts should be scaled through innovation hubs at universities, public-private partnerships, and targeted funding. A detailed strategy is imperative:
- Acquire Ukrainian Expertise: Nigeria should seek technological support from Ukraine, including battle-tested FPV drones, anti-drone jammers, and AI-driven targeting systems, which have proven effective against superior forces.
- Explore International Cooperation: After current conflicts, discreet cooperation with Iran for advanced drone and missile knowledge could be beneficial, guided by national interest and non-proliferation obligations.
- Develop Indigenous Capacity: Self-reliance is non-negotiable. Nigeria must establish a dedicated Military Industrial Complex for indigenous drones, precision munitions, anti-drone systems, and AI-enabled swarm technology. Platforms like the Tsaigumi UAV and partnerships with Briech UAS should be expanded, integrating civilian start-ups into a national consortium.
Funding can come from a security innovation levy, international grants, and diaspora investment. Collaboration with universities, such as Igbinedion University Okada, will ensure intellectual property remains Nigerian. The Buratai Center for Contemporary Security Affairs, a collaboration between Igbinedion University and the Nigerian Army, offers expertise in this critical matter.
A Call to Action
The New Asymmetric Warfare is not a distant threat; it is already at Nigeria's doorstep. Boko Haram's drone experiments and the DRC's precedent underscore the urgency. By mobilizing military prowess, civilian ingenuity, and strategic partnerships while building indigenous capacity, Nigeria can transform this danger into an opportunity for regional dominance and national resilience. The survival of the united country depends on it. Soldiers, statesmen, and citizens must rise to the challenge together.
