Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has announced that its upcoming NigComSat-2A and 2B satellites will be used to track criminals and address the communication breakdowns that have left troops in remote battle zones cut off from command centres. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, made this known during an interview on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on Monday, August 31, 2026. She said the new space assets will enhance technical support for Nigeria's defence and security architecture by providing surveillance capabilities and secure communication channels that cannot be easily jammed or intercepted by criminals.
"Satellite comes in, and we can track criminals with it. Surveillance is part of the things you can do with satellites, yes. So, if there's a kidnapping somewhere—because these are the actual realities that we're dealing with—with the development of 2A and 2B, without divulging too much, there are a lot of ways you can do surveillance," Egerton-Idehen said. She explained that satellite imagery, digital mapping and tracking technologies could be deployed depending on the available equipment. "If there's a digital map there, that means if there's access to technology, of course there are things you can track and survey. It depends on what's on the person. Sometimes you can use imagery, like I've said. You can use imagery, especially if you have trackers."
The NIGCOMSAT boss highlighted the severe communication challenges facing security forces during operations in remote locations such as the Sambisa Forest, where troops often struggle to maintain contact with command and control centres. "We have our armed forces or the people in the defence sector, and sometimes their biggest challenge is communication. You're going to put them in Sambisa Forest to go and fight there, and there is no way to talk to command and control. That is very difficult," she said. She added that even when communication channels exist, they are often compromised, leaving troops vulnerable. "And sometimes there is a way, but it's not secure because it gets compromised, and they get compromised. That's what we're saying," she added. She said the high-capacity technology is intended to enable the defence sector to operate at a larger scale. "That's what we want to enable our defence sector to do—and not just to enable them in a small way, but also at a large scale," she said. "So there's a lot of focus to do this so that we can support them; they do need those tools."
The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved the acquisition and deployment of the two next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, to expand broadband access and improve connectivity across Nigeria. The approval, disclosed on Saturday, August 22, 2026, by NIGCOMSAT's Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Kwande, moves the project into its next phase of implementation. The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). NIGCOMSAT will lead implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The deployment is expected to take place in two phases, with the first satellite targeted for launch by late 2028 and the second expected between 2029 and 2030. The satellites will support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and emerging digital applications. They will also serve national security and defence communications requirements, alongside improving access to digital services in education, healthcare, agriculture and financial services. The project is expected to create opportunities across the satellite and digital technology value chain, including telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services. It will also support indigenous capacity development through knowledge transfer, local manufacturing and specialised expertise in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.
With FEC approval now secured, the next stage involves formal engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparatory activities for the manufacture, launch and deployment of the satellites. Egerton-Idehen appealed to Nigerians to be patient over the delivery timeline for the satellite projects and assured them that they have long-term benefits that will transform the country's security architecture and digital economy. "Our priority is to translate this investment into measurable value for Nigerians and position NIGCOMSAT for stronger impact within the global satellite and digital economy," she said.
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