Nigerian autonomous systems startup Terrahaptix has secured a $1.2 million contract from private security firm Nethawk Solutions, edging out competition from an Israeli company to land the five-year deal.

Under the agreement, Terrahaptix will deploy its AI-powered drones and solar-powered sentry towers to bolster security at two hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria, targeting regions plagued by bandit activity. The contract also includes a recurring six-figure annual software subscription, providing the Abuja-based firm with a steady revenue stream.

“This is our largest contract to date and our first in the hydroelectric sector,” said Nathan Nwachukwu, CEO and co-founder of Terrahaptix.

The company will supply around 10 drones and multiple sentry towers, all operating under Artemis OS, Terrahaptix’s proprietary artificial intelligence system. Artemis OS enables real-time threat detection and classification, including the number of intruders and their level of armament — a critical capability for defending high-risk infrastructure.

The win highlights Terrahaptix’s growing reputation in the security tech space. According to Nwachukwu, the company’s success lies in offering a unified system: “From aerial systems to ground and maritime operations, everything runs on our in-house Artemis OS. It creates a smoother, more reliable experience for clients.”

Founded by Nwachukwu and Maxwell Maduka, Terrahaptix has rapidly scaled across Africa. The startup operates a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Abuja’s Idu Industrial District and serves clients in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 75% of its revenue comes from outside Nigeria.