By: Prevail Inegbenose
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of Zainab Sodiq over the alleged possession of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), popularly known as a drone, without the mandatory End User Certificate (EUC) required under Nigerian regulations.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said Sodiq is currently being held at its National Headquarters in Abuja while investigations continue.
According to the DSS, Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, during a joint operation involving DSS operatives and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC).
The Service said she was attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Abuja with the drone but was unable to produce the End User Certificate, a mandatory document required for the acquisition and operation of drones in Nigeria.
The DSS explained that the regulations governing the procurement and use of drones were introduced by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in response to national security concerns.
It added that during questioning, Sodiq admitted she did not possess the required authorization documents.
Despite the interception, the Service said she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja because of an earlier engagement but was directed to report to the DSS National Headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for further investigation.
According to the statement, the ongoing investigation is being conducted in line with existing regulations that empower the DSS to impound drones and sanction individuals or organisations operating remotely piloted aircraft systems without proper authorization.
The agency noted that stricter enforcement of the regulations has become necessary due to increasing global and domestic concerns over the misuse of drones, including threats to public safety, critical infrastructure and privacy.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, due process and the rule of law, assuring the public that all its actions would continue to be guided by the relevant legal framework and national security considerations.(Spark news daily)
