Military bans unauthorized drone operations in northeast, gives reasons
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has announced an immediate ban on the use of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles across the North-East region, citing serious security concerns.
Air Commodore U. U. Idris, the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, issued the directive on Wednesday, stressing that unauthorised drone operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states posed significant threats to safety and security.
Idris expressed concern over the proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial purposes, including their use by government agencies and private individuals without proper authorization from the Air Component.
The statement read, “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.”
It further noted, “More disturbing is that government agencies and private individuals operate these drones without due regard to the extant regulations on their operations.”
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According to the commander, non-state actors have increasingly employed drones against military targets and critical national infrastructure, a trend that has been observed globally.
He cited a recent incident on January 7, 2025, when a drone was discovered during a routine security check on a passenger travelling aboard an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno.
The device was confiscated, and investigations are ongoing.
“These incidents, among others, reveal a troubling trend where individuals operate drones without due consideration for safety and security, leading to potentially detrimental consequences,” Idris added.
The Air Component Commander emphasised that the decision to ban drones aligns with the mandate to regulate aerial activities in the region and ensure the safety of all airspace users.
“The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai is tasked with monitoring and regulating aerial platform operations, including aircraft and drones, within the North-East Theatre. This is aimed at de-conflicting the airspace to ensure safety and security for all operators in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace,” he said.
Idris warned that any breach of the restriction, no matter how minor, would be taken seriously, urging all stakeholders to comply with the directive.
“It is pertinent to reiterate the ban on drone operations in the North-East Theatre as directed by the appropriate superior authority. Any violation of this restriction will be viewed with the utmost seriousness,” the statement concluded.
