In a major win for Africa’s tech and security sectors, Nigerian autonomous systems startup Terrahaptix has secured a $1.2 million contract to deploy AI-powered drones and surveillance towers at the Shiroro and Gurara hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria. The five-year deal, awarded by private security firm Nethawk Solutions, sees Terrahaptix beat out an Israeli competitor, underscoring Nigeria’s rising influence in cutting-edge security technology.
In addition to the initial hardware investment, the agreement includes a lucrative annual software subscription running into six figures, setting up a long-term revenue stream for the Abuja-based company. It marks the startup’s largest contract to date and its first major foray into securing hydroelectric infrastructure.
“This is a significant milestone for us and the beginning of deeper integration into Nigeria’s critical infrastructure sector,” said Terrahaptix CEO, Nathan Nwachukwu.
Under the deal, Terrahaptix will deploy approximately ten drones alongside multiple solar-powered Sentry Towers, all powered by its proprietary Artemis OS. The operating system is equipped with advanced AI capabilities that detect, classify, and analyze threats in real time—including identifying the number of armed attackers and their ammunition levels. This technology is especially crucial for countering bandit activity, which has turned some hydroelectric sites into operational hideouts.
Artemis OS has emerged as a defining edge for the company in the fiercely competitive security tech market. “We’ve created a full ecosystem—drones, ground systems, maritime surveillance—all operating on a single system we developed ourselves,” Nwachukwu explained. “It’s not just integration; it’s about offering a seamless, Apple-style experience for our clients.”
Terrahaptix’s ecosystem-first approach, combined with local manufacturing and smart sourcing, has helped the startup undercut global competitors by offering similar high-tech solutions at over 50% less in price. Over 80% of the firm’s hardware components are sourced locally, a key advantage in an increasingly volatile global supply chain.
Founded by Nwachukwu and Maxwell Maduka, Terrahaptix operates out of a 15,000-square-foot facility in Abuja’s Idu Industrial District. Despite its Nigerian roots, the company has built a pan-African presence, serving clients in South Africa, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Impressively, 75% of its revenue comes from outside Nigeria.
In 2024 alone, Terrahaptix recorded $2 million in orders. With this new contract, it is well on its way to doubling that figure in 2025. Its product lineup includes the Archer VTOL drone for aerial surveillance and the Duma ground drone for on-site monitoring—both enhanced by the Artemis OS to ensure instant threat detection and rapid response.
As African nations look to secure their infrastructure from rising threats, Terrahaptix is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in autonomous security. “Our goal is to become Africa’s leading provider of autonomous security solutions for critical infrastructure,” Nwachukwu said. “This contract is not just a win;it’s a launchpad toward that vision.”
