The military joint task force in the north-east has issued a
directive banning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as
drones, across the region.
UU Idris, the air component commander of Operation Hadin
Kai, highlighted the security risks associated with operating drones without
prior approval.
Idris criticised both government agencies and private
individuals for failing to obtain the necessary approval for drone operations,
which he said poses significant threats to security.
He urged strict compliance with the directive to maintain
safety and security across the north-east airspace.
“The proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial
purposes has led to serious security concerns. These concerns mainly stem from
their possible use by non-state actors and criminal elements for subversive and
offensive activities,” he said.
“More disturbing is that government agencies and private
individuals operate these drones without due regard to the extant regulations
on their operations.
“The non-state actors have perfected the use of drones
against military targets and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) as
witnessed in other climes. Recently, there have been reports of drone sightings
and unauthorised drone operations in the Theatre.
“On 7 January 2025, for instance, a passenger onboard an NGO
flight from Maiduguri to Monguno was intercepted with a drone during a search
at the helipad. The drone was confiscated, and an investigation is ongoing.
“These incidents, among others, revealed trends by
individuals to operate drones without due course to safety and security, with
detrimental consequences.
“The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK) is
saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and regulating aerial platform
operations, including aircraft and drones, in the North East Theatre.
“This is aimed at deconflicting the airspace to ensure
safety and security for all operators in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace.
“Considering this, it is pertinent to reiterate the ban on
drone operations in the North East Theatre as directed by the Appropriate
Superior Authority. t is noteworthy to state that breaches of this restriction,
no matter how insignificant, would be viewed very seriously.
“In view of the aforementioned, you are please requested to
strictly comply with the regulation on the ban on drone operations in the North
East Theatre comprising Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace in the interest of
safety and security.”
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