Military Expands Aerial Intelligence Support in North-west and North-central

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has instructed the Defence Space Administration to extend its aerial intelligence and surveillance efforts to military actions in the North-west and North-central regions.

Funmilayo Bamisaye, the spokesperson for the Defence Space Administration, shared this information in a statement on Sunday. The directive was given on Friday during the DSA’s 12th anniversary event in Abuja. It aims to improve operational effectiveness and help troops understand their situation better.

Mr Oluyede mentioned that this aerial support is already benefiting troops involved in Operation Hadin Kai, which is a joint task force in the North-east. The extension is expected to strengthen the joint forces in Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-west and Operation Savannah Shield in the North-central.

“As we speak now, they are supporting Operation Hadin Kai, and I have given instructions that they should extend that to Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West and Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central,” Mr Oluyede, a Nigerian Army general, said.

The defence chief praised the military agency for its contributions to operations through space-based intelligence, surveillance, and communication capabilities. He also urged the DSA to focus on local research, technological innovation, and developing human skills.

Mr Oluyede called for better collaboration with schools, industries, and relevant agencies to improve space capabilities. He stated that systems must be developed and tested to meet operational needs while working well with existing military equipment.

He applauded the DSA’s achievements, including the launch of DELSAT-1, Nigeria’s military satellite launched in 2022. He also mentioned the Special Intelligence Infrastructure, which supports DELSAT-1, and the Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the Operation Hadin Kai headquarters.

These projects have helped strengthen Nigeria’s defense space setup and brought specialized intelligence support closer to commanders on the ground. Mr Oluyede welcomed the start of academic activities at the Defence Space School in Delta State, emphasizing that local expertise is vital for using space for Nigeria's security and growth.

Philip Ilodibia, the DSA boss, supported the defence chief's views. He pointed out that modern warfare relies heavily on timely intelligence, awareness of situations, secure communications, and good coordination across different operational areas.

Major General Ilodibia noted that since its establishment in 2014, the DSA has gradually built capabilities to meet the needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. He said DSA's success should be judged by the challenges it has resolved, the decisions it has enabled, and the strategic advantages it has provided.

He called for better teamwork among the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, stressing that space-enabled intelligence, surveillance, communication, and geospatial capabilities can improve joint awareness, cooperation, and operational success.

Ilodibia also recommended continued collaboration between the National Space Research and Development Agency and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to strengthen local space capabilities.

Gabriel Olonisakin, a former Chief of Defence Staff under late President Muhammadu Buhari, welcomed Nigeria’s move to improve space-based intelligence. But he noted that it needs consistent investment.

Mr Olonisakin, a retired general, talked about the Russia-Ukraine war, pointing out the growing importance of space technology in modern conflicts. He highlighted issues like cyberattacks on satellite communications and using satellite images to track troop movements.

He urged the DSA to form strategic partnerships to develop independent space capabilities and enhance national security.