The Defence Headquarters and relevant government agencies have commenced an investigation to trace and curb the use of drones by terrorists.

The director of defence media operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while briefing journalists said the investigation had reached an advanced stage.

In recent months, terrorists operating in the North East had increasingly deployed sophisticated drones in attacks on civilians and security personnel, escalating concerns over the evolving tactics of the insurgents.

The use of advanced drone technology by terrorist groups has raised questions among security experts and the public about how the weapons are being sourced and the channels through which they are entering the country..

Onoja said measures were being taken in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify the sources of the drones and stop their deployment by non-state actors.

According to him, concrete actions are expected to emerge in the coming days or months.

“We have reached an advanced stage in taking measures, in conjunction with other federal government agencies, to trace where these drones are coming from. I believe that in the next couple of days or months, concrete action will emerge on what we intend to do,” he said.

He added that agencies with the capacity to prevent the use of drones were already involved and that decisive steps would be taken soon.

“The agencies that have capacity to prevent the use of drones have been contacted and we believe that action will be taken very soon on that,” he said.

Responding to questions on allegations circulating on social media that soldiers at checkpoints in Bauchi State were being compelled to remit weekly sums to their commanders, Onoja said the claims remained allegations.

He said the military is a transparent institution and assured that investigations would be carried out if details were provided.

“If the allegations are found to be true, necessary action will be taken,” he said.

On the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Onoja said the development reflected the success of military operations in restoring security to affected communities.

“The military, in conjunction with the federal government, has tried all within its capacity to ensure the necessary security in those areas,” he said, adding that the return of refugees was a measure of operational success.

Onoja also provided an update on operations in the North East under the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, noting that troops sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists freedom of action.