In a final clearance of remnant of terrorist in Nigeria, the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East has imposed a total ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), popularly called drones, across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore U.U. Idris, , gave the directive through a signal dispatched to the all Army formations, citing security risks posed by unauthorized drone operations in the region.
According to the Air force General, “The proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial purposes has led to serious security concerns”, emphasizing that non-state actors and criminal groups could exploit drones for subversive activities.
Idris further highlighted the flagrant disregard of directives and orders by government agencies and private individuals operating drones without prior authorization from the Air Component. Noting that use of drones recently has been abused by enemies of the state to target military assets and critical national infrastructure.
He recalled that recently an incident of such was recorded in Maiduguri, Borno state where a drone aboard an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno on January 7, 2025, have further exposed the potential risks involved. Saying, the confiscated drone is under investigation, reflecting broader concerns about the unauthorized use of drones in the theatre.
To arrest the situation, Operation Hadin Kai’s Air Component has reinforced its mandate to monitor and regulate aerial operations, ensuring the safety and security of the airspace in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, the military commander added.
He warned that “The ban on drone operations in the North-East Theatre remains in effect as directed by the Superior Authority. Any breach of this restriction, no matter how minor, will be taken very seriously”.
The military authority reiterated that all stakeholders should strictly heed to the warning of the regulation, stressing that the need for total compliance to safeguard the region’s security and prevent potential threats.