In Plateau State, where attacks on rural communities have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands, a new chapter has unfolded as the state government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, is deploying a high-tech response to an age-old crisis.
With a strategic alliance forged with Briech UAS Limited, a leading Nigerian drone manufacturer, the governor is betting on surveillance technology to do what boots on the ground have struggled to achieve (secure lives and restore peace in the volatile state).
The security situation in Plateau has been dire for years. Entire farming communities have been overrun by gunmen, residents killed in their sleep, and families forced to flee ancestral lands. Despite military presence and emergency responses, the cycle of violence persisted, especially in hard-to-reach areas. But the launch of this drone-based security solution is now seen as a revolutionary intervention, promising a shift from reactive defense to predictive, intelligence-led operations.
The drones, some with attack capabilities, are designed for real-time intelligence gathering and rapid response coordination. They are equipped with night vision, thermal imaging, and long-range sensors, enabling 24-hour surveillance across vulnerable zones.
Beyond its impact on security, the project is also expected to spur economic and technological growth.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, speaking at the unveiling ceremony of Briech UAS drones in Kuje, Abuja, described the partnership as a critical innovation in the fight against insecurity.
“This is about saving lives, Technology has become our greatest ally in restoring peace and ensuring our people can return to their farms without fear”.
The governor, flanked by top security officials, including Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff emphasised the urgency of a new approach. He said the partnership with Briech UAS would directly address the security vacuum in rural Plateau, where traditional methods had failed to yield lasting results.
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“We must acknowledge the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces and also encourage support for indigenous technology. Local companies like Briech UAS are proving we have what it takes to build world-class defense solutions tailored to our unique challenges.”
With thousands of internally displaced persons and farmland lying fallow, the humanitarian cost of insecurity has grown. Mutfwang stressed that his vision for 2025 includes a return of farmers to their fields, a goal he insists cannot be realised without air and ground security.
“The time is now to address these challenges that hinder national prosperity. One of my key aspirations for this year is to see Plateau State farmers return to their farms. The only way to achieve this is by providing them with adequate security coverage, both in the air and on the ground, ensuring their safety,” he added.
He further highlighted the impact of the partnership, noting that the deployment of Briech UAS facilities in Plateau State will enhance the efficiency of security forces on the ground. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would further strengthen security operations, ultimately restoring peace and enabling farmers to return safely to their fields.
Christopher Musa, a General and Chief of Army Staff echoed these sentiments. Addressing the crowd during the demonstration of the drones, he praised the initiative as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s defense evolution.
“It is with great honour and appreciation that I witness the unveiling and live demonstration of the first set of locally manufactured attack drones by Briech UAS Limited. This marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey toward self-reliance in defense technology and a major step in strengthening our security capabilities.”
“We’re not just reacting to violence anymore. We’re anticipating and neutralising it before it erupts”; the chief of defence staff said.
Musa commended the local production of the UAVs and assured that the Defence Headquarters would explore collaboration with Briech UAS to deepen integration into national security operations.
Bright Echefu, Chairman of Briech Group, the parent company of Briech UAS Limited, underscored the significance of the latest advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
He described the unveiling as a landmark achievement in the nation’s pursuit of enhanced security solutions.
“We are dedicated to developing both surveillance and attack drones specifically designed to address Nigeria’s unique security challenges. Our surveillance drones are engineered to deliver real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, ensuring continuous monitoring of our vast and diverse terrain,” Echefu stated.
He highlighted the drones’ ability to provide actionable data to security forces, bridging gaps in communication and surveillance that have long hampered counter-insurgency efforts.
To complement the drones, local vigilante groups and community policing units must be trained to integrate drone data into their operations, minimising ambushes and enhancing coordination with state security.
With other Nigerian states reportedly watching Plateau’s drone experiment closely, the success of this initiative could catalyse a nationwide shift toward tech-driven security.
But for now, the people of Plateau are watching the skies and praying that these mechanical eyes will help end the bloodshed that has defined life in their communities for too long.
