The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raised concerns over the increasing influence of Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist groups in Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel. According to the NAF, these groups are taking advantage of weak governance structures to strengthen their foothold in the region, posing a significant threat to national and regional security.
During a high-level meeting at NAF headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional security cooperation. He pointed out that porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin have allowed extremist groups to sustain their operations, making it crucial for affected countries to work together in addressing the security challenges.
Abubakar highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, noting that the increasing use of artificial intelligence, drone technology, and social media manipulation has changed the dynamics of asymmetric conflicts.
He stressed that lessons from conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa indicate a growing reliance on these technological tools to shape war narratives and execute attacks.
A significant example of this trend was the use of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades by Boko Haram in a kamikaze-style attack against troops in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area. This incident, according to Abubakar, underscores the increasing sophistication of terrorist tactics and the need for the Nigerian military to develop countermeasures. He emphasized that implementing a comprehensive and integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system is critical to safeguarding military personnel and air assets.
In addition to the threats posed by extremist groups on land, Abubakar also drew attention to the persistent security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that maritime crimes, including piracy and illegal oil bunkering, continue to pose serious threats to regional stability.
To address these challenges, he advocated for sustained aerial surveillance and stronger international cooperation in maritime security efforts.
The CAS concluded by reiterating the importance of refining military doctrines and adopting advanced technological capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
He called for increased intelligence sharing and strategic partnerships to counter both conventional and unconventional security threats in Nigeria and across the region.
NAF warns of al-Qaeda expansion in Nigeria, Sahel region
