The Nigerian Army has acquired forty-three Bayraktar TB2 drones to enhance operational capability in North-West theatre operations.
This was revealed in Abuja by Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, during the winging ceremony of 43 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drone.
The general said the initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region.
A group of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s regularly piloted aircraft system regiments received specific training in Turkey on how to operate and maintain the Bayraktar TB2 drones, according to General Ogeleka.
Out of the 46 trained professionals, seven are mission operators, 23 are engineers and technicians, and 14 are pilots of multi-piloted aircraft.
General Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained men for the winging ceremony while the others were performing operational duties.