By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of Zainab Sodiq, the journalist who covers Omoyele Sowore’s daily activities while in detention over an alleged violation of Nigeria’s regulations governing the acquisition and use of drones.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by operatives of the Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC).
According to the DSS, Sodiq was found in possession of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) while attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Abuja without an End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The agency said Sodiq admitted she did not have the required documentation when questioned by security officials.
Despite the interception, the DSS said she was allowed to travel to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was instructed to report to the agency on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.
The Service stated that it has commenced a formal investigation in line with existing regulations that empower it to impound drones and sanction individuals or corporate entities operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, without proper authorisation.
The DSS said the enforcement action was driven by growing domestic and global security concerns surrounding drone operations, including risks related to privacy breaches and public safety.
