Zulum Urges Review of Nigeria’s Air Safety Mechanisms After Boko Haram Drone Attacks

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde
Maiduguri, Nigeria

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the Federal Government to conduct an urgent and comprehensive review of Nigeria’s air safety and defense mechanisms, following reports that Boko Haram insurgents used a drone to target military formations in the northeast.

The governor’s appeal came Friday in Mafa, Borno State, a day after troops of the Joint Task Force, North East “Operation Hadin Kai,” repelled coordinated attacks in several communities across Borno and neighboring Yobe State. The assaults in Mafa, Gajibo, Dikwa, and Katarko village left more than 50 militants dead and led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, the military said.

Security officials described the use of a drone by insurgents as a troubling escalation in the group’s tactics, underscoring growing fears about the proliferation of unmanned aerial devices among non-state actors.

“One thing I want to comment on is the issue of drones. This is frightening,” Governor Zulum said while briefing reporters. “In Dikwa, I was told drones were used. The proliferation of drones, particularly in the hands of non-state actors, is of great concern for the entire country. We have to do something to stop the rampant use of armed drones.”

The governor warned that the threat extends beyond Borno State, calling it a direct challenge to Nigeria’s national security. He urged the strengthening of border surveillance and airspace control to prevent further drone-enabled attacks.

While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their response, Mr. Zulum appealed for closer cooperation between citizens and security agencies, emphasizing the importance of intelligence sharing and community vigilance.

“We had credible intelligence that Mafa would be attacked and shared it with relevant authorities,” he said. “There is a need for both state and federal governments, alongside the military high command, to identify and close existing gaps. There might be sabotage within, which has to be addressed. We must work together rather than blame each other.”

The incident marks one of the first confirmed instances of Boko Haram deploying a drone in combat operations, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the decade long insurgency that has destabilized much of northeastern Nigeria.