Operation Hadin Kai, the military’s Joint Task Force in the North East, has announced a sweeping ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The directive is part of an intensified effort to address growing security risks posed by unauthorised drone operations.
The ban, detailed in a statement by Air Commodore U.U. Idris, the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, reflects the military’s concerns about the misuse of drones by individuals, government agencies, and more alarmingly, non-state actors. Idris highlighted the increasing use of drones in potentially malicious activities, posing threats to both military operations and critical national infrastructure.
According to Idris, the proliferation of drones for personal and commercial use has become a pressing security challenge. In his statement, he noted:
“The proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial purposes has led to serious security concerns. These concerns mainly stem from their possible use by non-state actors and criminal elements for subversive and offensive activities.”
The risk extends beyond local threats, with Idris pointing to global examples where drones have been weaponized by non-state actors to target military installations and other strategic assets. Such scenarios, he explained, have informed the urgent need for tighter controls within the North East region, which remains a hotbed of insurgent activities.
Recent events underscore the gravity of the issue. Idris disclosed an alarming incident involving a passenger aboard a non-governmental organization (NGO) flight from Maiduguri to Monguno. On January 7, 2025, a drone was found in the passenger’s possession during a routine search at a helipad. The device was confiscated, and an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the purpose of its operation.
Such episodes have raised questions about how drones are deployed in conflict zones, particularly when their use contravenes safety and security regulations. Idris lamented:
“These incidents among others revealed trends by individuals to operate drones without due regard to safety and security, leading to detrimental consequences.”
Operation Hadin Kai is charged with overseeing all aerial platform operations in the North East, including aircraft and drone activity. Idris emphasized the importance of deconflicting airspace to ensure the safety of all stakeholders operating within the region.
“The Air Component OPERATION HADIN KAI is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and regulating aerial platform operations, including aircraft and drones in the North East Theatre. This is aimed at deconflicting the airspace to ensure safety and security for all operators in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace,” Idris explained.
To maintain control over the region’s skies, the military has imposed stringent measures. These include not only banning drones but also reinforcing existing regulations on their operation. Idris stated that violations, no matter how seemingly insignificant, will be treated with utmost seriousness.
“It is noteworthy to state that breaches of this restriction, no matter how insignificant, would be viewed very seriously,” Idris warned.
The ban has wide-reaching implications, especially for entities involved in relief and development activities, many of which rely on drones for logistical and monitoring purposes. Idris urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, private operators, and NGOs, to comply with the directive in the interest of regional safety and security.
By tightening restrictions, the military aims to curb the exploitation of drones by insurgent groups, which have increasingly used these technologies to carry out reconnaissance and attacks. Idris noted:
“Non-state actors have perfected the use of drones against military targets and critical national infrastructure as witnessed in other climes.”
The directive highlights a broader concern about the intersection of technology and security in conflict zones. While drones have proven invaluable in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure mapping, and disaster response, their misuse in regions plagued by insecurity presents significant risks.
Globally, there have been instances where drones were used to evade traditional security measures, delivering weapons and intelligence to hostile forces. Such tactics are not new, but the accessibility of UAV technology has amplified their potential impact.
In the context of the North East, these threats are exacerbated by the volatile security situation, where insurgents continue to exploit technological loopholes to challenge military operations. Idris’s call for compliance is, therefore, a proactive step to prevent the escalation of such activities.
As part of its enforcement strategy, Operation Hadin Kai has vowed to crack down on any individual or organization found violating the drone ban. Idris reiterated the military’s zero-tolerance approach, stating:
“In view of the aforementioned, you are please requested to strictly comply with the regulation on the ban on drone operation in the North East Theatre comprising Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa airspace in the interest of safety and security.”
The message is clear: unauthorized drone operations will attract severe consequences as the military seeks to preserve the integrity of its mission in the region.
