Police Train 30 Officers In Drone Technology To Combat Terrorism, Banditry Across Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has trained 30 officers in drone technology as part of efforts to strengthen security operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.

The officers, all graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano, completed the Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Course One organised by Nethawk Aviation Solutions, an indigenous defence technology company based in Kaduna State. They graduated on Saturday, October 10.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the training is aimed at equipping police personnel with modern technical skills to improve surveillance, operational planning and responses to emerging security threats.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Nethawk founder and Chief Executive Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adedoyin Akerele (retd.), described the programme as an important step towards developing local expertise and promoting the responsible use of unmanned aircraft systems in authorised security and public safety operations.

Akerele explained that the graduation marked the first phase of a broader initiative designed to train 100 police officers in drone technology, with the newly trained personnel expected to support security operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.

He noted that Nethawk’s 2026 training programme covered aviation ground school, basic and advanced drone operations, specialised mission qualification, mission planning and strategic operations management.

The retired military officer also disclosed that the company had conducted unmanned aircraft operations in more than 65 communities across Nigeria, adding that four locally developed unmanned aircraft systems and platforms were currently in active operation.

According to Akerele, Nethawk has also trained hundreds of aviation personnel for professional assignments in law enforcement, the military, the oil and gas industry and the power sector.

He said the achievements demonstrated the company’s commitment to strengthening indigenous technical expertise and advancing Nigeria’s aviation technology sector.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Idri Bunu, who represented the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the training would enhance the force’s operational capabilities and improve its response to security challenges.

Bunu expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired by the officers would strengthen their effectiveness in tackling terrorism and other criminal activities, while commending the initiative for promoting the integration of modern technology into policing.

He emphasised the importance of equipping security personnel with the technical knowledge and tools required to address evolving threats across the country.

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

The initiative represents another step towards incorporating modern aviation technology into Nigeria’s security operations, with the planned training of additional officers expected to expand the police force’s capacity to deploy unmanned aircraft systems in authorised missions.