The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who is reportedly associated with activist Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said Sodiq was intercepted on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos while attempting to board a flight to Abuja. She was found in possession of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone.
According to the DSS, the interception was carried out jointly with operatives from the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The journalist allegedly lacked the mandatory End User Certificate (EUC) required for such equipment.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) confirms detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters, Abuja. Subject was intercepted by FAAN AVSEC and operatives of DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on July 6, 2026 with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enroute Abuja from MMIA border control without an ‘End User Certificate’ (EUC),” the statement read.
The Service explained that the action aligns with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, which strictly control the acquisition and operation of drones. When questioned, Sodiq reportedly admitted she did not possess the necessary documentation.
Out of consideration for a prior engagement, authorities allowed her to proceed with her flight to Abuja but instructed her to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for further investigation. She is currently being held at the agency’s facility in the capital.
The DSS noted that investigations are ongoing in line with laws empowering it to seize and sanction unauthorised operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The enforcement is driven by rising security concerns, including potential privacy violations and threats to public safety from unregulated drone use.
This incident highlights the strict regulatory framework surrounding drone operations in Nigeria amid growing domestic and international security considerations.
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