The Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, has announced a ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, across the North-East region of Nigeria, citing significant security risks.
The Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore U.U. Idris made this known in a statement released on Wednesday. He identified Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states as areas of concern due to unauthorised drone usage.
“The proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial purposes has raised significant security concerns. These concerns largely stem from their potential use by non-state actors and criminal elements for subversive and offensive activities,” the statement read.
Commodore Idris criticised both government agencies and private individuals for operating drones without prior approval from the Air Component, thereby disregarding existing regulations and worsening security threats.
He further revealed that non-state actors have increasingly refined their use of drones to target military assets and critical national infrastructure.
Highlighting a recent incident, he said, “On January 7, 2025, a passenger aboard an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno was caught with a drone during a search at the helipad. The drone was confiscated, and investigations are currently underway.”
The Air Component Commander emphasised the importance of regulating aerial operations within the region, stating, “As part of its mandate, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai is tasked with monitoring and regulating aerial platform operations within Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace. This is essential to deconflict the airspace and ensure the safety and security of all operators.”
He stressed that any breaches of the restriction, “no matter how minor, will be taken very seriously” and urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the directive for the safety and security of the region.
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