Nigerian Startup Terrahaptix Outpaces Israeli Rival to Secure $1.2M Major Contract for Power Plant Protection

 

Terrahaptix Secures $1.2M Deal to Defend Nigeria's Hydroelectric Infrastructure with AI-Powered Systems

A bold stride in Africa's autonomous defense technology scene has emerged from Abuja, where Nigerian startup Terrahaptix has clinched a $1.2 million contract to secure two hydroelectric power plants. Awarded by Nethawk Solutions, a private security firm, the deal places Terrahaptix ahead of an Israeli competitor in what marks the company’s largest and most strategic win to date.

Under the terms of the five-year agreement, Terrahaptix will deploy an integrated network of its AI-driven aerial drones and solar-powered sentry towers, all coordinated by its proprietary Artemis OS. The system is designed to detect, classify, and respond to potential threats — a vital capability in these high-risk zones where bandit activity has long posed a threat to critical infrastructure.

CEO Nathan Nwachukwu described the contract as a turning point for the company, both in scale and sector. “This is our largest contract to date and our first in the hydroelectric sector,” he noted. The deal not only includes a significant upfront investment in hardware but also a recurring six-figure software subscription, securing long-term revenue for the Nigerian firm.

Protection of Nigeria’s power infrastructure has become increasingly urgent. Bandits have turned hydroelectric facilities into operational bases, exploiting their remoteness and strategic value. Artemis OS brings a multi-dimensional advantage to the fight. According to Nwachukwu, the AI is capable of identifying how many assailants are present and estimating their level of armament — crucial intelligence that can aid rapid response units in neutralizing threats before escalation.

What sets Terrahaptix apart is not only the hardware but the seamless ecosystem it has created. From aerial surveillance via its Archer VTOL drones to ground-level monitoring using the Duma ground drone, every component runs on the same unified OS. That level of interoperability provides what Nwachukwu calls “a smoother experience,” echoing product ecosystem philosophies that have driven retention for global tech giants like Apple.

This cohesive integration is particularly compelling for clients who need real-time threat management without the complexity of dealing with multiple systems. For Nethawk Solutions, that proposition was too strong to ignore.

Launched by Nwachukwu and co-founder Maxwell Maduka, Terrahaptix has grown quickly from a local tech idea to a continental player in the autonomous security space. Its 15,000-square-foot facility in Abuja’s Idu Industrial District produces most of its hardware, sourcing 80% of materials locally — a strategy that keeps costs low and makes Terrahaptix’s solutions up to 50% more affordable than foreign competitors.

Africa-wide demand for affordable, high-performance security tech is rising. Terrahaptix has already built a customer base across South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 75% of its sales occurring outside Nigeria. The company recently posted $2 million in orders for 2024, a figure that could double in 2025 following the new hydroelectric contract.

As the continent faces a mounting array of security challenges — from piracy and insurgency to resource facility sabotage — autonomous systems like those offered by Terrahaptix are gaining traction as reliable, scalable responses. By offering an integrated platform that combines robust AI, adaptable hardware, and affordable pricing, the startup is quickly positioning itself as a continental force in infrastructure defense.

“Our goal is to become Africa’s leading provider of autonomous security solutions for critical infrastructure,” Nwachukwu affirmed. “This contract is a significant step toward that vision.”

With Artemis OS at its core and a strategy centered on local manufacturing and international expansion, Terrahaptix is not just competing globally — it's proving that African tech innovation can lead the charge.