Rita Odafe
Military Imposes Drone Ban in North East Nigeria
The military’s Joint Task Force in North East Nigeria, known as Operation Hadin Kai, has announced a prohibition on the use of drones in the area.
This decision was made by Air Commodore UU. Idris, who leads the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, in response to rising security issues stemming from unauthorized drone activities in the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
According to a statement received by Daily Trust, Commander Idris voiced concerns about the uncontrolled operation of drones by governmental organizations as well as private citizens.
He warned that these uncontrolled drone flights could lead to significant security risks due to potential misuse by non-government actors and criminal groups.
“The rise of drones for personal and business uses is creating substantial security risks, particularly concerning their potential for being utilized in harmful ways by criminal elements,” the statement noted.
Idris also referenced instances in other regions where drones were used against military installations and essential national assets, raising alarms about their presence in the North East.
This ban comes after an incident on January 7, 2025, where an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno had a passenger caught with a drone during a routine check at the helipad.
The drone was seized, and an investigation is ongoing. This occurrence, along with various other drone sightings, exemplifies the escalating worry over unauthorized drone operations.
“These cases illustrate a growing tendency for individuals to operate drones without considering the implications for safety and security, with negative impacts,” said the Air Component Commander.
Operation Hadin Kai is responsible for managing and overseeing all aerial vehicle operations, including aircraft and drones, in the North East area. Their primary goal is to maintain a safe and regulated airspace for all flight operations within Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
