Directorate of Earth Observation
The Directorate of Earth Observation
Director of Earth Obseravtion
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdul Suleh is a distinguished officer specializing in Aircraft Engineering. Born on May 31, 1971, in Bida, Niger State, he has built a remarkable career in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). He began his educational journey at Air Force Secondary School Kaduna (1983–1988) before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy (1990–1994). His quest for advanced knowledge led him to complete specialized training in corrosion prevention at the University of Lagos (2000), obtain an MIAD from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (2008), and secure an MSc in National Security and War Studies from the National Defence University Islamabad (2017). His military training commenced at the Nigerian Defence Academy (1990–1995), followed by an Orientation Engineering Course at the NAF Institute of Technology (1996–1997). He further honed his skills at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, completing both Junior (2001) and Senior Staff Courses (2005). Throughout his service, Abubakar has held key appointments, including OC Line Services Squadron at 407 ACTG Kainji (1997–1998), Commanding Officer Admin at 011 PAF Abuja, Commander 431 Engineering Group (2018–2020), and Director of Procurement (DProc) at HQ NAF (2023–2024). He is currently the Director of Earth Observation (DEO) at the Defence Space Administration (DSA). His expertise extends to aircraft maintenance, having completed training on Alpha-Jet, Dornier-228, Gulfstream V and 550, Hawker 4000, and Rolls-Royce BR710 engines. Additionally, he has undertaken specialized courses in space technology, including an Introductory Course on Space for Senior Management (2024) and a Leadership Course in Data Mining and Geospatial Intelligence (2025). A registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Abubakar remains a committed professional dedicated to enhancing Nigeria’s aerospace and defense capabilities.
Chronicle of Directors
About the Directorate
The Directorate of Earth Observation (DEO) is responsible for developing autonomous capability to perform intelligence analysis based on satellite imagery particularly from Virtual Reception Service to produce intelligence for decision-making. It would seek to integrate information from satellite imagery with other sources such as GEO spatial intelligence.
Roles
a. Acquisition of optical and spectral images using Remote Sensing/Earth Observation(EO) Satellites.
b. Processing and archiving geospatial data.
c. Custodian of satellite images and geospatial data.
d. Maintenance of DSA Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI).
e. Provide and conduct geospatial intelligence in support of operations
f. Perform photo reconnaissance using satellite images and environmental data for national security.
g. Ensure surveillance of entire vertical expanse including the atmosphere, near earth orbit and beyond.
h. Provide decision-support tools for analyzing processed data in the form of maps, charts and other visual models.
i. Disseminate meteorology information and satellite weather forecast in support of operations.
j. Appraisal and analysis of land and maritime environments..
k. Utilize satellites for monitoring and response to disaster management in aid to civil authorities.s.
i. Prediction and mitigation of effects of climate change on strategic planning for national security.
m. Manufacture of Earth Observation Satellite.
n. Maintain and operate Defence Earth Observation satellite..
Achievements
a.Training of personnel on the Introduction to Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing at GeoApps Plus Ltd NASRDA.
b. Invitation of reputable Geospatial companies such as RESLARC, Image Sat International (ISI) and Airbus Defence Group (Airbus DS) for possible collaboration.
c. Training of personnel on Crime Mapping at GeoApps Plus Ltd NASRDA.
d. Operational Visit to HQ Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri.
e. Conduct of In-Theatre Proof of Concept of Anti-Drone solutions at Maiduguri
f. Geospatial facilities tour of ImageSat International NV Israel.
g. Tour of the Facilities Digital Globe, Colorado USA.
h. Operational Visit to HQ Operation DELTASAFE, Yenagoa.
i. Supply of Satellite Imagery Maps to 1 Div Kaduna.
j. Visit to Nigerian Forest Reserve Coordinates Generation of about 1000points.
k. Production of Operational Maps for Operation FOREST OCTOPUS.
l. Production of Operational Maps for Sectors 1,2 and 3 of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
m. Production of Satellite Imageries Based Intelligence Report for Operation FOREST OCTOPUS and Sectors 1,2 and 3 of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
n. The Directorate produced BDA maps of Dapchi.
