Why Woman Carrying Drone Was Detained — DSS Explains

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained the circumstances surrounding the detention of Zainab Sodiq, stating that she was apprehended for allegedly possessing and transporting a drone without the required authorization documents.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Abuja with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), popularly known as a drone.

According to the Service, operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC), working alongside DSS personnel, discovered the drone during security screening and requested the relevant documents authorizing its possession and movement.

The agency said preliminary investigations revealed that Sodiq was not in possession of an End User Certificate (EUC), a mandatory requirement under regulations governing the acquisition and operation of drones in Nigeria.

The DSS disclosed that when questioned, the suspect admitted she did not have the necessary authorization documents required for the drone.

Despite the discovery, security officials allowed her to continue her journey to Abuja because of a prior engagement. However, she was instructed to report to the DSS National Headquarters on July 8 for further questioning and continuation of investigations.

Explaining the reason for the detention, the Service said its actions were guided by existing regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which place restrictions on the acquisition, ownership, and operation of drones and other Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) across the country.

The DSS noted that the regulations empower security agencies to impound drones and sanction individuals or organisations found operating such equipment without proper authorization.

According to the agency, the enforcement of the rules is necessary because of growing security concerns linked to drone technology worldwide, including risks relating to national security, public safety, and privacy violations.

“The investigation is necessitated by both global and domestic security concerns associated with the operation of drones, especially issues of privacy breaches and the safety of individuals,” the statement noted.

The Service emphasized that investigations into the matter are ongoing and assured the public that all actions would be carried out in line with due process and the rule of law.

The DSS also reiterated its commitment to professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities and urged members of the public to comply with all regulations governing the use of drones and related technologies in Nigeria.