Nigeria’s defence landscape shifted as Abuja-based startup Terra Industries unveiled new unmanned systems designed to counter a deepening insurgency.
The announcement in Abuja signals a growing reliance on domestic technology as militant attacks increasingly target military positions with drones and improvised explosives.
For more than seventeen years, Nigeria has battled an Islamist insurgency that continues to evolve, testing the limits of conventional defence strategies.
This year, militants have intensified assaults, deploying improvised explosive devices and aerial drones that have inflicted mounting casualties on government forces.
Terra Industries, previously focused on civilian drone applications and security tools, is now stepping decisively into the defence sector amid rising national security demands.
Chief executive Nathan Nwachukwu said the company introduced interceptor drones, mine-clearing vehicles, and battlefield intelligence software to enhance operational awareness.
He added that the systems are designed to detect threats on the ground and in the air, aiming to reduce risks for frontline troops.
Major General Babatunde Alaya stressed the urgency of such innovations, citing heavy troop losses caused by hidden explosives.
Alaya, who leads Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, said collaboration with local firms like Terra is vital for strengthening indigenous defence capabilities.
The partnership reflects a broader push to localise military production, as authorities seek faster, adaptable responses to insurgent tactics.
Analysts say integrating homegrown technology into counterinsurgency efforts could reshape Nigeria’s security approach, blending innovation with necessity in a prolonged conflict.