The Operation Hadin Kai, the Joint Task Force of the military in the North East, has issued a directive banning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, across the region.
This was announced by the Air Commodore U.U. Idris, the Air Component Commander, in a statement.
He emphasised that unauthorized drone usage poses significant security threats in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
The statement reads, “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.”
“More disturbing is that government agencies and private individuals operate these drones without due regard to the extant regulations on their operations.
Idris decried the unauthorized operations of drones by government agencies and private individuals, stressing that such activities often disregard existing regulations.
He added that non-state actors have exploited drones to target military installations and critical national infrastructure, a trend observed globally.
He continued, ”Also, the 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 7January 2025 for instance, a passenger onboard an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno was intercepted with a drone during a search at the helipad.
“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.
“These incidents revealed trends by individuals to operate drones without due regard to safety and security, leading to detrimental consequences.”
“The Air Component 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 deconfiicting the airspace to ensure safety and security for all operators in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa airspace.
“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.”
Idris warned that violations of the ban, no matter how minor, would be treated with utmost seriousness. He urged all stakeholders to comply with the regulation to ensure safety and security in the region,” Idris stated.
Peoplesmind
