War against insurgency shifts as Nigerian startup rolls out combat drones, mine sweepers

Nigeria’s long-running war against insurgency may be entering a new phase, as local technology firm Terra Industries unveils combat drones and mine-clearing vehicles designed to counter evolving threats on the battlefield.

At a demonstration held Monday in Abuja, the startup showcased a range of defence systems aimed at tackling the growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

For more than 17 years, Nigeria has battled insurgency in the northeast. But in recent times, attacks have become more sophisticated. Militants are increasingly deploying drones for surveillance and strikes, while IEDs continue to cause heavy casualties among troops.

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Terra Industries believes technology can help close that gap.

“We are unveiling new defence systems such as our interceptor UAVs, our minesweepers, ground vehicles that can detect IEDs on the ground, and our battlefield intelligence software,” said Nathan Nwachuku, the company’s co-founder and CEO.

The interceptor drones are built to identify and neutralise hostile drones before they reach military targets. On the ground, the company’s unmanned vehicles function as minesweepers, using sensors and artificial intelligence to detect hidden explosives without exposing soldiers to danger.

Also introduced is a battlefield intelligence platform that combines data from both aerial and ground systems. The goal is to give military commanders real-time situational awareness, helping them make faster and more informed decisions during operations.

The demonstration drew top military attention, including Major General Babatunde Alaya of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). He described the collaboration with Terra Industries as timely, especially given the rising number of casualties linked to IED attacks.

DICON, Nigeria’s state-owned defence manufacturing body, has already entered into a partnership with the startup. The agreement covers local production, research, and training, with the aim of strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to build its own defence technology.

The move reflects a broader shift in strategy. Rather than relying heavily on imported military equipment, Nigeria is increasingly looking inward—leveraging local innovation to meet urgent security needs while reducing costs and delays.

Founded in 2024 by young entrepreneurs Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries initially focused on civilian drone applications, securing critical infrastructure such as oil facilities, mines, and power plants. The company says it currently protects assets valued at over $11 billion across Africa.

Its rapid rise has been backed by investor confidence, with about $34 million raised to date. It also operates what it describes as one of the continent’s largest drone manufacturing facilities in Abuja.

Now, the company is pivoting into defence at a critical moment.

Security experts say the introduction of such systems could help reduce troop casualties, particularly if the mine-clearing vehicles prove effective in detecting IEDs before they detonate. However, they caution that real-world performance will be the ultimate test.

The systems will need to undergo rigorous field trials, and soldiers must be properly trained to operate and maintain them in harsh conditions. Questions around durability, cost, and long-term support also remain.

At the same time, insurgent groups continue to adapt, constantly changing tactics to exploit weaknesses. This means any technological advantage may only be temporary unless continuously upgraded.

Still, the unveiling signals a significant development: a growing role for Nigerian-built technology in frontline defence.

Beyond the battlefield, there is also a potential economic upside. If successful, these systems could position Nigeria as a supplier of defence technology to other African countries facing similar security challenges.

For now, the military is expected to evaluate the new platforms before deciding on deployment timelines, particularly in high-risk areas such as Borno State.

Read also: What’s next for Terra Industries after $11.75m seed raise

For Terra Industries, the mission goes beyond hardware.

The founders say their goal is to help Nigeria and Africa more broadly, gain greater control over its security future in an era where technological capability is increasingly defining the outcome of conflicts.

As the nature of warfare evolves, Nigeria’s response may now be shifting from manpower-heavy operations to smarter, technology-driven defence—powered, this time, from within.