The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, stating that she was intercepted over the possession of a drone without the required regulatory documents.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was stopped on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos by personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security unit and DSS operatives.
According to the agency, she was found carrying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) while preparing to travel from Lagos to Abuja without an End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations governing the acquisition and use of drones.
The DSS said Sodiq acknowledged that she did not possess the necessary documentation. Despite the discovery, she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja because of an existing engagement but was instructed to report to the agency on July 8 for further investigation.
The service disclosed that it has commenced an investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of remotely piloted aircraft systems, noting that existing regulations issued under the Office of the National Security Adviser empower it to seize drones and sanction individuals or organisations operating them without approval.
According to the DSS, the regulations are intended to address growing security concerns associated with drone operations, including risks to public safety and privacy.
Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore, whose activities Sodiq reportedly covers as a journalist, criticised the development in a post on social media, alleging that her detention was connected to her professional work and describing the action as politically motivated.
The DSS, however, maintains that its actions are based on the enforcement of existing regulations governing the possession and operation of drones in Nigeria.
