By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of a woman, Zainab Sodiq, over the alleged possession of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, without the required End User Certificate (EUC).
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said Sodiq is currently being held at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue.
According to the statement, Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by operatives of the DSS working alongside 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 could not produce the mandatory End User Certificate required under existing regulations governing the acquisition and operation of drones in Nigeria.
The DSS explained that the restrictions on the procurement and use of drones were introduced by the National Security Adviser (NSA) in view of national security considerations.
It stated that when questioned by security operatives, Sodiq admitted that she did not possess the required authorization documents.
Despite the interception, the Service said she was permitted to continue her journey to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was instructed to report to the DSS National Headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of investigations.
The agency said the ongoing probe is in line with the NSA’s extant regulations, which empower the DSS to impound drones and sanction individuals or corporate organisations operating remotely piloted aircraft systems without proper authorization.
According to the Service, the enforcement of the regulations has become necessary in light of growing global and domestic security concerns surrounding the misuse of drones, including threats to public safety and privacy.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law, assuring that its actions would continue to be guided by existing legal frameworks and national security imperatives.
