The Plateau State Police Command has warned individuals and organisations against illegal drone operations, threatening to arrest, impound offending equipment and prosecute violators.
The warning was contained in a public notice issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command.
The Command said the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as drones, is regulated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, particularly Part 17 on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
It noted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is the designated authority responsible for issuing permits and approvals for drone operations in Nigeria.
The Police stressed that no individual or organisation is permitted to operate a drone within Nigerian airspace without obtaining the required approval under the relevant NCAA Security Programme.
According to the Command, operators are required to submit their security programmes at least 60 days before commencing operations, while providing details of flight locations, schedules and safety and security measures for each operation.
The Police also warned against the use of drones to carry unauthorised cargo, weapons or explosives, or for activities capable of causing death, serious bodily injury, damage to property or the environment, or threatening public safety.
Drone operators were further advised to observe prescribed altitude limits, maintain visual line of sight with their equipment, avoid restricted and no-fly zones, and respect privacy.
The Command said the directive is aimed at strengthening security in Plateau State, protecting aviation support facilities and other critical infrastructure, and ensuring responsible regulation of drone operations.
It warned that the Police, working with other security agencies, would take decisive action against unauthorised drone operations and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious drone activities to the nearest police station or relevant security authorities.
The Plateau State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the state’s airspace must not be allowed to become a platform for activities capable of undermining public safety and security.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
