₦airaland Forum

RE: DETENTION OF ZAINAB SODIQ 'f'

The Department of State Services (DSS) confirms detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters, Abuja. Subject was intercepted by FAAN AVSEC and operatives of DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on July 6, 2026 with an Unmaned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enroute Abuja from MMIA border control without an 'End User Certificate' (EUC).

It is to be noted that, in compliance with National Security Adviser (NSA), Extant Regulations, which placed restrictions on acquisition and use of drones, Sodiq was intercepted while trying to board a flight to Abuja. When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents.

Following due process, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight in view of a prior engagement in Abuja. She was, however, directed to report on Wednesday, 8 July, for the continuation of the investigation.

In further compliance with the NSA extant rules which conveys on the Service, powers to impound and sanction any individual or cooperate entity operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)/Drones in any part of the country without authorization, Service investigation has commenced. This action is necessitated by global and domestic security concerns associated with operation of drones, especially issues of privacy breaches and safety of individuals.

To this end, the Service reaffirms its commitment to professionalism and adherence to Rule of Law.

Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services.
Abuja
July 9, 2026

shortgun:
Apparently, it's illegal to own drones in Nigeria without having an 'End User Certificate' according to the DSS.

Amotolongbo:
An EUC is required for the importation of remotely piloted aircraft that fall under the Federal Government’s controlled-items regime. The EUC is issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser and is one of the documents used during customs clearance.
If the drone is brought from a legitimate dealer in Nigeria, you might not need the EUC because it will be part of the deal. Also if one is importing a professional drone legitimately, EUC would likely be part of the process.

I suspect that the journalist could have got/import the drone in a shady way

slivertongue:
Terrorists also have it

Tenses:
This is what happens when there is escalation of insecurity. Drones that were designed to aid several professionals in executing their duties becomes an exhibit.

The DSS looking desperately to hatch some cheap political points will hold her in their dungeon until God knows when.

Failed country.

Tenses:
This is what happens when there is escalation of insecurity. Drones that were designed to aid several professionals in executing their duties becomes an exhibit.

The DSS looking desperately to hatch some cheap political points will hold her in their dungeon until God knows when.

Failed country.

Amotolongbo:
An EUC is required for the importation of remotely piloted aircraft that fall under the Federal Government’s controlled-items regime. The EUC is issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser and is one of the documents used during customs clearance.
If the drone is brought from a legitimate dealer in Nigeria, you might not need the EUC because it will be part of the deal. Also if one is importing a professional drone legitimately, EUC would likely be part of the process.

I suspect that the journalist could have got/import the drone in a shady way

shortgun:
This is not correct.
You don't need EUC to possess drones in Nigeria.
Operating drones in the country is only subject to NCAA regulations.
EUC is only required during importation and it stops there.
There are millions of videographers with drones all over the country, even kids have toy drones mounted with hd cameras.

1Alex:
I tried to fly a drone around Egbeda, I received a message on the drone that the erea I was about to fly is geo-fenced, and that I should register with NCAA and obtain a clearance.

The drone even provided the link for the registration on the NCAA website.

Amotolongbo:
An EUC is required for the importation of remotely piloted aircraft that fall under the Federal Government’s controlled-items regime. The EUC is issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser and is one of the documents used during customs clearance.
If the drone is brought from a legitimate dealer in Nigeria, you might not need the EUC because it will be part of the deal. Also if one is importing a professional drone legitimately, EUC would likely be part of the process.

I suspect that the journalist could have got/import the drone in a shady way

Tenses:
This is what happens when there is escalation of insecurity. Drones that were designed to aid several professionals in executing their duties becomes an exhibit.

The DSS looking desperately to hatch some cheap political points will hold her in their dungeon until God knows when.

Failed country.

shortgun:
This is not correct.
You don't need EUC to possess drones in Nigeria.
Operating drones in the country is only subject to NCAA regulations.
EUC is only required during importation and it stops there.
There are millions of videographers with drones all over the country, even kids have toy drones mounted with hd cameras.

slivertongue:
Terrorists also have it