The Federal Government has strengthened the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the acquisition of forty-three Bayraktar TB2 drones, primarily for deployment in the North-West theatre of operations.
This was disclosed by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, in Abuja.
The initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region, stated Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, who spoke in Abuja during the winging ceremony of 43 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.
A group of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s regularly piloted aircraft system regiments received specific training in Turkey from May to September 2022 on how to operate and maintain the Bayraktar TB2 drones, according to General Ogeleka.
Multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics, and mechanical engineers and technicians were among the training team, he continued.
Of the 46 trained professionals, seven are mission operators, 23 are engineers and technicians, and 14 are pilots of multi-piloted aircraft.
While the others are actively performing operational duties, General Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained men for the winging ceremony.
