According to The Guardian, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has pledged sustained federal backing for locally developed security systems following a visit to indigenous drone manufacturing facilities in Kuje. The Minister commended the production of Nigeria-made unmanned aerial systems (UAS), describing them as the future of the nation’s defense industrial base.
The facilities, operated by Briech UAS, are currently producing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones designed to operate in challenging environments. The government has reaffirmed its “Nigeria-first” procurement policy, which prioritizes domestic manufacturers to reduce reliance on foreign military hardware.
Reporting by ThisDay indicates that the move is part of a broader strategy to utilize technology in the fight against insurgency and kidnapping. The Minister noted that homegrown solutions are often better suited for the local terrain and offer more cost-effective maintenance than imported alternatives.
The Sun Nigeria validated the visit, quoting Matawalle: “We must empower our own to protect our borders.”
Tribune Online also covered the event, stating that “the Damisa Combat drones showcased at the facility represent a milestone in Nigerian engineering and military self-reliance.”
Echotitbits take:
Investing in local drone technology is a game-changer for Nigerian security. It reduces the “blackmail” often associated with foreign arms sales and tailors surveillance to Nigerian forests. Watch for these drones to be deployed in the North-East and North-West theaters of operation within the next quarter.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/matawalle-inspects-nigerian-made-drones-others-hails-briech-uas/, and February 22, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
