Nigeria: Police Warn Against Unauthorised Drones in Plateau

What the report says

The Plateau State Police Command has warned people and companies against flying drones without the approvals required under Nigerian law. The notice, issued on Sunday in Plateau State, said unapproved drone use could lead to arrest, seizure of equipment and prosecution. Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said the alert was meant to improve security, protect critical infrastructure and reinforce compliance with rules governing uncrewed aerial vehicles.

According to the police, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is the body authorized to issue permits for drone operations in Nigeria. The command said operators must also follow the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, including Part 17 on remotely piloted aircraft systems, which requires approved security plans before flights. Those plans should include information on where flights will take place, when they will happen and what safety measures will be used.

The police also warned that drones must not be used for unlawful purposes, such as moving weapons, explosives or other unauthorized cargo. They said operators should keep drones in sight, respect approved altitude limits and stay away from restricted or no-fly zones. The command added that intrusive drone use could raise privacy and public-order concerns, including harassment or trespass.

The broader context is that drones are increasingly used for commercial, research and security-related activities, but many countries regulate them closely because of safety and surveillance risks. The Plateau police said they would work with other agencies to enforce the rules and urged residents to report suspicious drone activity.