– The US has taken its fight against Boko Haram more serious by building a drone base in Niger
– The strategic location is expected to help focus on the terrorists in Mali, Niger and Nigeria
– Security experts have expressed concern over the possibility of civilian causalities
The United States seem set to join in the fight against Boko Haram as the country is to launch drones to bomb terrorists in the north east part of Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with terrorists in the country and wipe them off and the success recorded has earned praise from the US as the country has promised to continue to help the country fight terrorism. The Punch reports that the US drone base is nearing completion in Agadez, a town in Niger Republic which would serve as the launch ground for attacks against terrorists in Libya, Mali and Nigeria.
According to The Intercept, the project cost $100 million which is an indication of the US’s seriousness in the fight against terrorism.
“As the only country in the region willing to allow a US base for MQ-9 Reapers — a newer, larger, and potentially more lethal model than the venerable Predator drone — Niger has positioned itself to be the key regional hub for US military operations, with Agadez serving as the premier outpost for launching intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions against a plethora of terror groups,” The online medium indicated that “The top MILCON [military construction] project for USAFRICOM is located in Agadez, Niger to construct a C-17 and MQ-9 capable airfield.
“Remotely Piloted Aircraft presence in Africa supports operations against seven (Department of State)-designated foreign terrorist organisations.
“Moving operations to Agadez aligns persistent ISR to current and emerging threats over Niger and Chad, supports French regionalisation and extends range to cover Libya and Nigeria.” There is however concern about the effect of the drone strikes in the north especially the safety of local people.
Prof. Femi Adegbulu who is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security said the strike can result in heavy collateral damage.
“There are two sets of drones, one for surveillance and the other for attacks. A reconnaissance drone is used for intelligence gathering, while the other kind of drone is used for attacks. There is no 100 per cent accuracy in warfare. “You lose lives, money, time, and resources.
The possibility of collateral damage cannot be ruled out, especially since Boko Haram terrorists are known to use humans as shields when attacked.”
Mike Ejiofor who is a former director of the Department of State Services also expressed concern about the drone attacks which he said might lead to loss of innocent lives.
He said: “I am worried that the US military will be making such efforts to launch attacks against Boko Haram from outside Nigeria.
If the US did not get the nod from the Federal Government to establish its drone base in the country, how could the US military launch attacks against Boko Haram from Niger Republic?” Meanwhile, 348 suspected members of Boko Haram, were handed over to the Kashim Shettima, the Borno state governor.
According to reports, this development is in the wake of Nigeria’s independence day celebration across the country. General Victor Ezugwu, the GOC of 7 division Nigerian Army, informed that this makes it the fifth time that this kind of event will take place since he assumed office.
– The strategic location is expected to help focus on the terrorists in Mali, Niger and Nigeria
– Security experts have expressed concern over the possibility of civilian causalities
The United States seem set to join in the fight against Boko Haram as the country is to launch drones to bomb terrorists in the north east part of Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with terrorists in the country and wipe them off and the success recorded has earned praise from the US as the country has promised to continue to help the country fight terrorism. The Punch reports that the US drone base is nearing completion in Agadez, a town in Niger Republic which would serve as the launch ground for attacks against terrorists in Libya, Mali and Nigeria.
According to The Intercept, the project cost $100 million which is an indication of the US’s seriousness in the fight against terrorism.
“As the only country in the region willing to allow a US base for MQ-9 Reapers — a newer, larger, and potentially more lethal model than the venerable Predator drone — Niger has positioned itself to be the key regional hub for US military operations, with Agadez serving as the premier outpost for launching intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions against a plethora of terror groups,” The online medium indicated that “The top MILCON [military construction] project for USAFRICOM is located in Agadez, Niger to construct a C-17 and MQ-9 capable airfield.
“Remotely Piloted Aircraft presence in Africa supports operations against seven (Department of State)-designated foreign terrorist organisations.
“Moving operations to Agadez aligns persistent ISR to current and emerging threats over Niger and Chad, supports French regionalisation and extends range to cover Libya and Nigeria.” There is however concern about the effect of the drone strikes in the north especially the safety of local people.
Prof. Femi Adegbulu who is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security said the strike can result in heavy collateral damage.
“There are two sets of drones, one for surveillance and the other for attacks. A reconnaissance drone is used for intelligence gathering, while the other kind of drone is used for attacks. There is no 100 per cent accuracy in warfare. “You lose lives, money, time, and resources.
The possibility of collateral damage cannot be ruled out, especially since Boko Haram terrorists are known to use humans as shields when attacked.”
Mike Ejiofor who is a former director of the Department of State Services also expressed concern about the drone attacks which he said might lead to loss of innocent lives.
He said: “I am worried that the US military will be making such efforts to launch attacks against Boko Haram from outside Nigeria.
If the US did not get the nod from the Federal Government to establish its drone base in the country, how could the US military launch attacks against Boko Haram from Niger Republic?” Meanwhile, 348 suspected members of Boko Haram, were handed over to the Kashim Shettima, the Borno state governor.
According to reports, this development is in the wake of Nigeria’s independence day celebration across the country. General Victor Ezugwu, the GOC of 7 division Nigerian Army, informed that this makes it the fifth time that this kind of event will take place since he assumed office.
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