Military bans drone operations in North-East

Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Operations Hadin Kai, the Joint Task Force of the military in the North East, has banned the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (BAY) states.

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore UU Idris, issued the directive in a statement seen by Daily Trust, citing security threats posed by the unauthorized use of drones in the region.

“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,” Idris stated.

He also expressed concern over the unauthorized use of drones by government agencies and private individuals without proper consent from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai. “More disturbing is that government agencies and private individuals operate these drones without due regard to the extant regulations on their operations.”

Idris warned that the misuse of drones had become a growing threat, emphasizing that “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 unauthorized drone operations in the Theatre. On 7 January 2025, for instance, a passenger onboard an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno was intercepted by a drone during a search at the helipad. The drone was confiscated, and an investigation is ongoing.”

 The statement further stressed the risks posed by unauthorized drone operations. “These incidents among others revealed trends by individuals to operate drones without due course to safety and security with detrimental consequences.”

 Idris highlighted the military's responsibility in regulating aerial activities in the region, saying, “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 de-conflicting the airspace to ensure safety and security for all operators in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace.”

He reiterated the ban on drone operations, emphasizing the seriousness of potential breaches. “Considering this, it is pertinent to reiterate the ban on drone operations in the North East Theatre as directed by the Appropriate Superior Authority. It 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 operation in the North East Theatre comprising Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace in the interest of safety and security.”