Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has advised the Federal Government to complement the structural expansion of the Nigerian Army by investing heavily in emerging military technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber warfare capabilities, and precision missile defense systems. The call comes as the military initiates an expansion from eight to twelve divisions to address persistent regional security threats.
According to security analysts monitoring the expansion, the military restructuring represents a significant effort to enhance operational coverage across volatile regions. However, experts emphasize that increasing personnel numbers alone will be insufficient to counter complex, asymmetrical threats without a simultaneous upgrade in technological capabilities, real-time intelligence gathering, and automated strike platforms.
Buratai noted that modern combat strategies rely heavily on technological superiority rather than conventional infantry deployment. He urged defense planners to prioritize force modernization, electronic warfare systems, and integrated intelligence platforms to effectively secure national borders, protect critical national infrastructure, and counter violent non-state actors.
The technological strategy proposals were examined across military and national news outlets. A review by *Channels TV* highlighted the core recommendations, quoting Buratai directly: “Future warfare would increasingly depend on technology, making force modernisation critical to national security”. Additional reporting by *The Guardian* detailed the military’s strategic roadmap, quoting the former army chief: “The expansion underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening national defence and enhancing operational effectiveness”.
Echotitbits take:
Expanding ground force divisions improves spatial presence across conflict zones, but long-term success against non-state groups requires technological efficiency. Expect defense procurement budgets over the coming fiscal cycles to shift towards advanced surveillance, counter-drone tech, and specialized cyber operations.
Source: Gazette – https://gazettengr.com/insecurity-ex-coas-buratai-urges-investment-in-drones-cyber-warfare/, and July 28, 2026
Photo credit: The Sun Nigeria
