The Department of State Services, DSS, has confirmed the detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters in Abuja for allegedly attempting to transport an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, without proper documentation.
In a statement released on the 9th of July 2026 and signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, by FAAN AVSEC and DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
According to the Service, she was on her way to Abuja when she was stopped at the border control point for being in possession of a drone without an End User Certificate, EUC.
The DSS noted that the interception was in line with extant regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, which place restrictions on the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.
“When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents,” the statement said.
The Service explained that, in view of a prior engagement in Abuja, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight but was directed to report on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.
The DSS added that investigation has commenced in further compliance with NSA rules, which empower the Service to impound and sanction any individual or corporate entity operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones without authorization.
It cited “global and domestic security concerns” associated with drone operations, including issues of privacy breaches and safety of individuals, as reasons for the enforcement.
