Insecurity: Police Train 30 Officers in Drone Technology to Tackle Terrorism, Banditry

The Nigeria Police Force has trained its first batch of 30 officers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology as part of efforts to strengthen operations against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

The officers, graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano, completed the Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems Course One organised by Nethawk Aviation Solutions, an indigenous defence technology company based in Kaduna.

The graduation ceremony took place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking the first phase of a programme designed to train 100 police officers in specialised aviation technology.

Speaking at the event, Nethawk’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adedoyin Akerele (retd.), said the initiative was aimed at developing local technical expertise and supporting the use of unmanned aircraft in authorised security operations.

Akerele said the training covered aviation ground school, basic and advanced drone operations, specialised mission qualification, mission planning and strategic operations management.

He explained that the skills acquired would help officers integrate drone technology into surveillance, intelligence gathering and operational planning, particularly in areas affected by insecurity.

According to him, Nethawk has conducted unmanned aircraft operations in more than 65 communities across Nigeria and has four locally developed UAS solutions and platforms in active operation.

He added that the company had trained aviation personnel for professional roles in law enforcement, the military, the oil and gas industry and the power sector.

Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Idri Bunu said the training would improve officers’ capacity to respond to terrorism and other criminal threats.

Bunu emphasised the importance of incorporating modern technology into policing to improve operational effectiveness and address evolving security challenges.

The Police Headquarters Air Wing was represented at the ceremony by Superintendent of Police O. U. Shadrach. The Divisional Police Officer of Mando Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police Shaibu Patiko, also attended.

The graduation marks an initial step towards the planned training of 100 officers. The programme also highlights efforts to develop local expertise in aviation technology and strengthen the use of indigenous solutions in Nigeria’s security sector.

The police are expected to apply the skills acquired in support of authorised law enforcement activities as the country continues to confront terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity.