UNICCON Group has unveiled what it describes as Africa's first indigenous loitering munition drone, developed through its subsidiary Babasky Technologies. The drone, named the "UNIKAM Series," was unveiled at a secured facility in Jaji, Kaduna State, according to a statement by Chairman Prof. Chuks Ekwueme on Thursday in Abuja. The project was delivered in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Ekwueme stated the drone was fully designed and developed in Nigeria by local engineers, with all components locally sourced and produced.
The system is capable of carrying explosive payloads and conducting precision strikes within set operational ranges. It features advanced artificial intelligence and autonomous target detection functions, the company said. Military experts who evaluated the platform commended its operational strength and technological resilience. Ekwueme noted the collaboration with DICON has spanned over two years, yielding innovations in drone systems and electronic warfare technologies.
The Jaji demonstration also included electronic jamming systems and other defence solutions. Ekwueme said the innovation aims to reduce Nigeria's reliance on foreign defence procurement while boosting local manufacturing. He added it could create export opportunities across Africa. Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, DICON's Director-General, praised UNICCON's effort and reaffirmed the Federal Government's support for indigenous defence technology and regional collaboration.
Prof. Chuks Ekwueme claims every component of the UNIKAM drone was locally sourced, yet provides no verifiable list of Nigerian suppliers or production sites. The assertion of full indigenous production stands in contrast to decades of stalled local defence manufacturing efforts. If true, this marks a rare instance of Nigerian technological self-reliance in a sector long dependent on imports. The credibility of the claim now rests on independent validation of the drone's supply chain and engineering origins.
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