The Nigerian Air Force is to deploy its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the protection of oil facilities owned by Shell companies in Nigeria.
This follows a partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and Shell.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, the partnership was announced by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Sadique Abubakar.
Abubakar spoke about the plan when the Managing Director and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, visited him on Friday.
He said apart from ensuring the safety of the maritime domain for social and economic activities, the deployment of the drone would prevent kidnapping and other forms of crimes.
Abubakar spoke about NAF’s newly produced drone, SAIGUMI, explaining that it had the operational endurance in excess of 10 hours.
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“The SAIGUMI could also be used for policing operations, disaster management, convoy protection, maritime patrol, pipeline and power line monitoring as well as mapping and border patrol duties.
“Accordingly, the Service would be willing to send experts to Shell to make presentation on the capabilities of the SAIGUMI UAV.
“The Service will also explore mutually beneficial ways to better secure Shell facilities while further developing the NAF’s UAV capability,” Abubakar said.
Speaking during the visit, Okunbor expressed appreciation for NAF’s support over the years.
He said the support had contributed immensely to ensuring a safe environment in the Southern part of Nigeria.
He said the deployment of UAVs would further ensure safety of facilities.
