CDS orders aerial intelligence extension

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the Defence Space Administration to extend space-based intelligence support to North-west and North-central theatres.

“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”

Military operations in conflict zones

The directive aims to enhance operational effectiveness and troops' situational awareness in North-west and North-central theatres.

Current support for North-east operations

Aerial intelligence currently supports Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east.

Expected military benefits

The extension will bolster joint forces of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-west and Operation Savannah Shield in the North-central.

Defence chief's commendation

The defence chief commended the DSA for contributions to military operations through space-based intelligence, surveillance and communications capabilities.

Indigenous research focus

The CDS urged the DSA to prioritize indigenous research, technological innovation and human capital development.

Collaboration with academic institutions

The CDS called for stronger collaboration with academic institutions, industries and national agencies to develop resilient space capabilities.

Operational requirements

Systems must be developed, field-tested and refined to meet operational requirements while remaining compatible with existing military structures.

DSA's recent achievements

The DSA has launched DELSAT-1, Nigeria's military satellite from 2022, the Special Intelligence Infrastructure and the Modular Earth Observation Outpost station.

Defence Space School

The DSA welcomed academic activities at the Defence Space School in Delta State.

DSA boss confirms capabilities

The DSA boss, Philip Ilodibia, confirmed DSA's progress since 2014 in supporting armed forces and security agencies.

Operational impact

The DSA boss noted that modern warfare increasingly depends on timely intelligence, situational awareness and secure communications.

Interoperability goals

The DSA called for stronger synergy among Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force to improve joint situational awareness.

Future collaboration

The DSA advocated sustained collaboration between NASRDA and NigComSat to strengthen indigenous space capabilities.