By our Reporter
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters in Abuja over alleged possession of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without the required authorisation.
The Service disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie.
According to the DSS, Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) in collaboration with DSS personnel while attempting to board a flight to Abuja with a drone.
The Service stated that the drone was being conveyed without an End User Certificate (EUC), a mandatory requirement under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) governing the acquisition and operation of drones in Nigeria.
The statement noted that when questioned by security operatives, Sodiq admitted she was not in possession of the required documentation.
According to the DSS, she was nonetheless allowed to board her scheduled flight to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was directed to report to the Service on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of investigations.
The Service explained that its action was in line with extant regulations issued by the National Security Adviser, which empower it to impound and sanction individuals or corporate organisations operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, without proper authorisation.
The DSS said investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation, noting that the enforcement of the regulations is driven by growing global and domestic security concerns associated with the use of drones, including privacy breaches and threats to public safety.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
