The Nigeria Police Force has trained 30 officers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
The officers, who are graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, completed the Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems Course One organised by Nethawk Aviation Solutions, an indigenous defence technology company based in Kaduna State.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adedoyin Akerele (retd.), described the programme as an important step towards developing local expertise in aviation technology and improving security operations.
Akerele explained that the training was the first phase of a wider initiative aimed at equipping 100 police officers with drone technology skills. He said the programme would provide personnel with the technical knowledge required to support authorised security operations and improve responses to emerging threats.
According to him, the company’s 2026 training programme covers aviation ground school, basic and advanced drone operations, specialised mission qualifications, mission planning and strategic operations management.
He also disclosed that Nethawk had conducted unmanned aircraft operations in more than 65 communities across Nigeria, with four locally developed UAS solutions and platforms currently in active operation.
Akerele added that the company had trained hundreds of aviation personnel for professional roles in law enforcement, the military, the oil and gas industry, and the power sector.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous aviation capabilities through specialised training, practical technological development and locally developed solutions.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Idri Bunu, who represented the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the training would improve the police’s operational capacity to tackle terrorism and other security threats.
Bunu noted that the knowledge acquired by the officers would enhance their effectiveness during security operations and strengthen the force’s ability to respond to evolving criminal activities.
He also commended the initiative, stressing that the integration of modern technology into policing was essential to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Other officials present at the ceremony included Superintendent of Police O. U. Shadrach, representing the Police Headquarters Air Wing, and Chief Superintendent of Police Shaibu Patiko, the Divisional Police Officer of Mando Police Station.
The graduation marks an initial step towards the planned training of 100 police personnel, with the programme expected to contribute to the development of local technical expertise and the responsible use of drone technology in Nigeria’s security sector.
