Security, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency expert Dr. Anya Roberts says Nigeria is witnessing “a sudden surge” in terrorist attacks and must urgently deploy advanced technology, including armed drones and sophisticated intelligence-gathering systems, to prevent further loss of lives.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Dr. Roberts said: “The killings are one too many… today it is the ambush of a general in Damboa. The killing has continued, as if nothing is happening.”
He stressed that although the military has made significant sacrifices, the Nigerian government is still not doing enough, particularly following the country’s designation on the Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) list.
“This is Nigeria’s CPC because of the number of killings—too many. Government is trying, but they need to do more.”
Roberts warned that the threat has evolved from Boko Haram to a more technologically advanced ISWAP faction.
“It’s not Boko Haram; it’s ISWAP. They’re much more advanced… a civilisation that came from Syria and Iraq. So government needs to deploy much more sophisticated technology.”
He said this includes unmanned aerial vehicles capable of surveillance, carrying explosives and conducting precision strikes.
“This is the time to take over that space. Send unmanned aerial vehicles to take intel—know where they are, know how many they are. There are drones that can carry five or ten kilogram explosives and meet them where they are.”
Responding to questions on winning community trust, Roberts said combating ISWAP requires force before community engagement.
“You don’t just win the hearts. First, you push them back with kinetic approach. Then you start doing quick-impact projects—build hospitals, schools, things the community lacks. Without that, you won’t attract the community.”
Roberts agreed that response time remains a major weakness.
“It’s all about intel. You mustn’t always send boots on the ground. But this is the time the federal government must get much more sophisticated equipment.”
He added that while soldiers are sacrificing greatly, insufficient technology and limited boots on the ground still hinder operations.
“Our military is really trying, but the federal government must be involved to get equipment—send drones to map the place. It’s not rocket science.”
Reacting to Senegal’s proposal for an ECOWAS-UN-AU counter-terrorism compact, he said:
“That would be wonderful. If the UN decides to intervene in Nigeria, it should be collective. It shouldn’t be one nation coming because of biases.”
He also emphasised the need for cross-border weapon tracking and financial intelligence:
“There are almost a thousand unmanned borders used for smuggling arms. How do they move ransom money out of Nigeria? How do they bring in these sophisticated weapons? Tracking must be done.”
Roberts expressed cautious optimism about new military strategies:
“The new Chief of Air Staff says there will be serious aerial bombardments to reduce their operational capacity. From what he said, they will be strategic. I see a future where the Air Force will do enough.”
Boluwatife Enome
About the Author
