- The directive calls on all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the regulation, underscoring the need for compliance to safeguard the region’s security and prevent potential threats.
Operations Hadin Kai has prohibited the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, in the North East region.
The Air Component Commander, Air Commodore UU Idris, issued the directive, citing threats posed by unauthorized drone use in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Idris expressed concerns that government agencies and private individuals are operating drones without clearance from Operation Hadin Kai’s Air Component.
“The proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial purposes has led to serious security concerns,” the directive sighted by Daily Trust reads.
“These concerns mainly stem from their possible use by non-state actors and criminal elements for subversive and offensive activities.
“More disturbing is that government agencies and private individuals operate these drones without due regard to the extant regulations on their operations.”
Non-state actors have successfully utilized drones against military targets and Critical National Infrastructure, as seen in other regions.
There have been reports of drone sightings and unauthorized drone operations in the Theatre recently. On January 7, 2025, a passenger on an NGO flight was intercepted with a drone during a search.
“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 monitors and regulates aerial operations, including drones, to ensure safety and security in the North East Theatre.
The ban on drone operations has been reiterated, as directed by the Appropriate Superior Authority.
Breaches of this restriction will be viewed seriously, and strict compliance with the regulation is requested in the interest of safety and security.
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