Defence and Security

Ukraine Builds AI Drone Fleets to Combat Russian Forces

Published

7 months ago

July 18, 2024

editor

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Ukrainian tech startups like Vyriy and Swarmer are developing AI-powered drones to assist in the ongoing conflict with Russia. These drones can operate in synchronized fleets, completing strikes or surveillance missions autonomously, without continuous human intervention. Swarmer CEO Serhiy Kupriienko highlights the necessity of automation at scale, stating that managing a swarm of 10 to 20 drones manually is nearly impossible, whereas AI can handle “hundreds” simultaneously.

Ukraine has been using drones in its defense for over a year, but Russian signal jamming has been a significant issue, disrupting human-operated drones mid-flight. AI-powered drones, however, are immune to this problem since they don’t rely on continuous signals once a mission is assigned. This capability enhances their operational reliability and effectiveness.

The AI lead for a Ukraine-backed tech accelerator noted that the ultimate goal is to deploy drones with no human connection on the front lines, aiming for more effective AI-guided strikes. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, emphasized that maximum automation is crucial for Ukraine’s victory.

Some autonomous drones are already active on the battlefield, targeting Russian assets such as oil refineries using machine vision technology. Autonomous weaponized helicopters are also in development, potentially reducing the need for direct human involvement further.

Noah Sylvia, a research analyst at the UK think tank Royal United Services Institute, explained that the AI drones use machine vision, a form of AI trained to identify geographic and target-specific features.

While the use of autonomous drones raises ethical concerns, it could decrease the human cost of the war. As of August last year, Ukraine’s death toll exceeded 70,000 according to a report cited by Congress. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a lower figure of 31,000 Ukrainian troop deaths as of February this year.

Defence and Security

Tungan-Maje Vigilante Group Gets Donations, Commendations

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Alexis Uchendu

Residents of Tungan-Maje in Gwagwalada Area Council have donated an office building and raised funds to support the local Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

The building, temporarily provided by a religious body, will serve as the group’s operational base until a permanent facility is secured.

At the donation event, community leaders, including traditional titleholder Chief Ike Okafor, commended the vigilantes for their dedication to security.

The FCT Vigilante Commander, Yabo Micha Maji, urged members to maintain strong collaboration with security agencies.

Police and NSCDC officials present at the event emphasized the importance of synergy between security outfits and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Arrests 12 Scavengers in FCT Crackdown

Published

1 week ago

February 4, 2025

ADMIN

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 12 scavengers in Abuja as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal scrap dealings, following the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA), ban on the activity.

FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, stated that the suspects were apprehended across various locations amid rising concerns over vandalism of public infrastructure, including rail tracks, manhole covers, and streetlight poles.

He reiterated that anyone caught trading in stolen government property would face prosecution and possible business closure.

Authorities are also screening dealers at the Pantaker scrap market to eliminate illegal operators, urging residents to report scavenging activities. Odumosu emphasized that the ban remains in force, vowing to curb vandalism in Abuja and its environs.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Boss Warns Officers Against Firearm Misuse

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Alexis Uchendu

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has cautioned officers against the misuse of firearms.

He urged them to apply the skills acquired during the Pistol Management Course (PMC 002), to enhance service delivery.

Speaking at the closing ceremony for the second batch of trainees at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Audi, who was represented by Assistant Commandant General (ACG) Lawal Muktar, underscored the importance of responsible firearm handling.

He emphasized that officers must uphold the highest ethical standards while safeguarding national security.

The two-week training brought together 214 officers from all state commands, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the National Headquarters. It aimed to enhance operational efficiency.

The Provost of the NSCDC Academy, ACG Samuel Umanah, commended the trainees and instructors for their dedication.

He encouraged officers to apply their newly acquired expertise in their duties.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Timothy Abraham expressed gratitude to the Commandant General.

He noted that the training had significantly improved their operational readiness.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants, certificates of participation, and group photographs.