The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a specialized training programme on anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) radar systems in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance air defence capabilities and counter evolving security threats.
The initiative, which began on Saturday, July 26, 2025, is designed to equip personnel with advanced skills required to detect, track, and neutralize hostile UAVs—commonly deployed by insurgents and criminal groups for surveillance and offensive operations.
According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, the training aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s vision to position the force for “effective, agile and decisive operations.” He emphasized that the North-East region, where Maiduguri serves as a strategic hub, has remained vulnerable to aerial threats due to the protracted insurgency.
Gabkwet noted that the deployment of the anti-UAV radar system and the corresponding technical training for NAF personnel represent a significant boost to Nigeria’s battlespace awareness and defence readiness. He added that the training will also foster collaboration with international defence partners who are contributing equipment and expertise to the programme.
Military analysts see the development as a proactive step in modernizing Nigeria’s air defence framework and addressing emerging security challenges posed by drone warfare in asymmetric conflicts.
The Maiduguri training is expected to run in phases over several weeks and will involve both theoretical instruction and hands-on simulation exercises to ensure operational mastery of the technology.
