The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of one Zainab Sodiq over alleged possession of an unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone.
This is coming after Publisher of Sahara Reporter, Omoyele Sowore accused the secret police of unlawfully detaining the journalist.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, by operatives of the Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Abuja.
According to the DSS, the drone was allegedly being transported without the mandatory End User Certificate (EUC), a requirement under extant regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) governing the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.
The Service said Sodiq admitted she was not in possession of the required authorization when questioned by security personnel.
