The increasing reliance on drone technology has significantly reshaped the landscape of modern warfare and national security. This study critically examines the role and implications of drone technology in Nigeria, situating its analysis within the broader context of persistent insecurity and transnational terrorism, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), both armed and unarmed, have emerged as vital tools for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes, offering Nigeria potential advantages in combating terrorism, monitoring porous borders, and addressing diverse internal security challenges. However, the proliferation of drones in the hands of non-state actors, coupled with the absence of a robust regulatory framework, poses grave risks to national security, amplifying the threats of terrorism, smuggling, and cross-border crimes. Using a qualitative methodology and secondary data, this paper interrogates three core questions: the relationship between drone warfare and national security in Nigeria; the challenges inhibiting effective use of drone technology; and strategies for enhancing drone deployment as a tool of national security. The findings reveal that while drones offer cost-effective, persistent, and relatively safer alternatives to conventional military operations, their effectiveness is hampered by regulatory gaps, technical vulnerabilities, ethical concerns, and the risk of misuse by terrorists. Additionally, drone warfare raises issues of accountability, civilian casualties, and sovereignty violations, which complicate Nigeria’s already fragile security environment. Anchored on Just War Theory, the study argues that drone warfare can be morally and legally justified only under conditions of proportionality, discrimination, and as a last resort. To maximize the benefits of drone technology while mitigating risks, Nigeria must strengthen its institutional and legal frameworks, invest in indigenous drone research and development, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and adopt international best practices. The study concludes that drone technology, if responsibly harnessed, can serve as a transformative instrument in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and in safeguarding national sovereignty, but unchecked proliferation and unregulated usage could further destabilize the nation. Keywords: Drones, Technology, Warfare and National Security.
Adams et al. (Tue,) studied this question.