The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed why female journalist, Zainab Sodiq, was arrested over her possession of drones.
Sodiq is currently being detained at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the DSS on its official X handle.
According to the statement, Sodiq was intercepted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Monday while attempting to board a flight to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) without an End User Certificate (EUC), as required under existing regulations.
The DSS stated that, in compliance with extant regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which restrict the acquisition and use of drones, Sodiq was intercepted at the airport’s departure screening point.
When questioned, she reportedly admitted that she was not in possession of the required documents.
Following due process, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight because of a prior engagement in Abuja.
She was, however, directed to report to the DSS National Headquarters on Wednesday for the continuation of the investigation.
The Service stated that, in line with the NSA’s extant regulations, which empower it to impound and sanction any individual or corporate entity operating a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone anywhere in the country without proper authorisation, an investigation has commenced.
It added that the action was necessitated by both global and domestic security concerns associated with the operation of drones, particularly issues relating to privacy breaches and the safety of individuals.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.
