Nigerian technology company UNICCON Group has entered the defence technology sector through its subsidiary, Babasky Technologies Babasky Technologies, unveiling a locally developed loitering munition drone system designed for modern combat operations.
The drone, introduced under the UNIKAM series, was showcased during a joint demonstration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) at a secure military facility in Jaji, Kaduna State.
The development marks one of the first publicly presented attempts by a Nigerian company to build a domestically designed kamikaze drone system intended for military use.
Loitering munitions, often called kamikaze or suicide drones, are weapons systems designed to remain in the air while searching for targets before striking with an attached explosive payload.
According to the company, the UNIKAM drone can carry explosive payloads and strike targets within a 200-metre radius. The system also includes artificial intelligence features such as autonomous target detection, allowing the drone to identify and engage targets with limited operator intervention.
Chief Executive Officer of UNICCON Group, Chuks Ekwueme, said the company was focused on developing technology solutions designed specifically for Nigeria and Africa’s needs.
He stated that the drone and munition components were locally sourced and developed by Nigerian engineers, adding that the company plans to continue working with Nigeria’s defence industry to address growing security challenges.
The unveiling comes as Nigeria and several African countries continue to face security threats linked to insurgency, terrorism, and armed non-state groups operating across difficult terrains.
Military analysts say loitering drones have become increasingly important in modern warfare because they provide relatively low-cost precision strike capabilities while reducing risks to soldiers on the ground.
The technology has gained global attention following its use in conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine, where drone warfare has significantly influenced military strategy and battlefield operations.
UNICCON’s partnership with DICON has reportedly been active for more than two years, reflecting broader efforts by Nigeria to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported military technology.
The joint showcase in Kaduna also included demonstrations of electronic warfare and jamming systems developed through the collaboration.
Industry observers say the project highlights a growing interest in defence technology innovation across Africa, where governments are increasingly seeking locally built solutions that can be adapted more quickly to regional security conditions.
The development could also strengthen Nigeria’s ambition to become a more active player in Africa’s defence manufacturing sector, particularly as countries across the continent increase spending on security and military modernisation.
However, experts note that moving from prototype demonstrations to large-scale deployment will depend on factors including production capacity, regulatory oversight, military testing, operational reliability, and long-term funding.
The launch also reflects a wider trend of African technology firms expanding beyond consumer technology into sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and defence systems.
