Military Drone Restrictions in North-East: How It Affects Local Operations
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has imposed an immediate ban on the use of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), across Nigeria’s North-East region, encompassing Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. This decision, announced on January 15, 2025, by Air Commodore U. U. Idris, the Air Component Commander, cites significant security concerns as the primary reason for the prohibition.
The military has observed a proliferation of drones for both domestic and commercial purposes, often operated without proper authorization. This unregulated usage poses substantial risks, particularly the potential for non-state actors and criminal elements to employ drones for subversive or offensive activities. Notably, there have been instances where drones were used against military targets and critical national infrastructure in other regions, raising alarms about similar threats in the North-East.
A recent incident underscoring these concerns occurred on January 7, 2025, when a passenger on a non-governmental organization (NGO) flight from Maiduguri to Monguno was found in possession of an unauthorized drone during a search at the helipad. The drone was confiscated, and an investigation is ongoing.
The Air Component Commander emphasized that breaches of this restriction, regardless of their perceived insignificance, will be taken very seriously. The ban aims to deconflict the airspace and ensure the safety and security of all operators within the region. Stakeholders, including government agencies, private individuals, and NGOs, are urged to comply with this regulation to maintain regional security amidst ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.