The Nigerian military unveiled its first domestically produced attack drone, marking what it calls a major milestone in the continent’s ability to develop and manufacture its own defense technology.
Built in collaboration with Nigerian tech company Briech UAS, the drone was showcased at the company’s headquarters in Abuja in April 2025. Though technical specifications were not released, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa emphasized that the drone will be used in the country’s battle against terrorists and gives Nigeria a badly needed domestic source for the weapons.
“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats,” Musa said. “I’m sure, with the great minds we have, especially with the youths, we can produce something that will be very, very outstanding.”
The drone is a kamikaze-style device that is designed to carry explosives and can be directed to detonate upon impact, according to The Defense Post. It is expected to add a new element to Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations, which already include unmanned surveillance aircraft, weaponized drones and piloted attack planes.
Bright Echefu, chairman of Briech UAS, said terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province are using commercial, off-the-shelf drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.
“These drones have been used to track and attack our troops. They are being deployed to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes,” Echefu said. “We have dedicated ourselves to developing good surveillance and attack drones tailored to meeting the unique challenges faced by our country.”
Plateau State Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who attended the launch, said new weapons and technology like the drone are needed to combat asymmetric tactics used by insurgent groups.
“As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing nonstate actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors,” Mutfwang said. “It is time to rectify that imbalance.”