Nigeria’s fight against insurgency is coming at a huge cost, as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has revealed that a single precision weapon for a drone costs $100,000 (about ₦150 million).

Speaking in a recent interview, General Musa explained that drone warfare is highly expensive, making it necessary for the military to carefully choose when and where such weapons are deployed.

“The price of a medium-range precision weapon for a drone is $100,000—for one. If you strike once, that’s ₦150 million gone. How many can we afford to buy? So we have to be very careful about where we deploy it to ensure it makes the desired impact,” he said.

He cited a recent successful operation in which drones were used to eliminate over 100 insurgents and destroy 50 motorcycles, stressing that timing and strategy are key to maximising the technology.

However, the Defence Chief lamented that Nigeria still lacks real-time satellite technology, which he described as critical for modern warfare. Without it, commanders cannot properly monitor operations as they unfold, leaving gaps that insurgents exploit.

Musa also revealed that it took security forces six years to track down leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, underscoring the challenges of intelligence gathering in difficult terrains.

Beyond firepower, he expressed concern that insurgents continue to gain support from some local communities by exploiting religious sentiments. Initially welcomed as “brothers” or “preachers,” the groups later impose taxes on villagers and eventually turn against them when support runs out.

To tackle insecurity in the long term, the Defence Chief suggested that security studies should be introduced into Nigeria’s primary school curriculum, helping young citizens understand the importance of national defence from an early age.

With insurgency still troubling parts of the country, Musa emphasised the need for investment in technology, education, and vigilance to protect Nigeria’s future.