Kehinde Fajobi
The Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, has banned the use of drones in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States without prior authorisation.
Air Commodore U.U. Idris, the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, announced the directive in a signal.
Idris cited serious security risks posed by unauthorised drone operations by government agencies and private individuals 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,” the statement read.
Idris expressed concern over the disregard for regulations governing drone operations, noting that non-state actors have weaponised drones against military targets and critical infrastructure in other regions.
He revealed a recent incident on 7 January 2025 when a passenger on an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno was found with a drone during a search at the helipad. The drone was confiscated, and investigations are ongoing.
“These incidents, among others, reveal trends by individuals to operate drones without due regard to safety and security, leading to detrimental consequences,” Idris added.
The directive reiterated the Air Component’s responsibility to regulate all aerial operations in the North East, ensuring the safety and security of the airspace.
Idris stressed that any breach of this restriction, no matter how minor, would be treated with utmost seriousness.
“All operators in the North East Theatre are required to strictly comply with this ban in the interest of safety and security,” the statement concluded.