FCT Police Command Warns Against Indiscriminate And Illegal Use Of Drones

…..As CP Tasks DPOs to arrest and prosecute violators.

The FCT Police Command has warned against the indiscriminate and illegal use of personal and commercial drones in the FCT.

According to a press release signed by the FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, Anipr, Mipra, she said that information at the disposal of the Command as well as public outcry on the sighting of drones hovering in personal and government-restricted air spaces contrary to extant laws, thereby creating fear and apprehension in the minds of residents.

The Command Spokesperson said the consequence of the above, the Commissioner of Police FCT Command CP Babaji Sunday has directed the immediate Enforcement of Drone usage Regulations, arrest of violators, and the confiscation of such Drones.

“In the light of the above, it is pertinent to state that flying drones in the FCT requires meeting certain qualifications, obtaining certifications, as demanded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Obtaining approval from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) as the case may be without which it becomes an offense to at any time and any day be found flying one, the statement said.

The CP while calling for calm, noted that investigations carried out have shown that the small and lightweight drones sighted are of zero imminent security threat as they are flown by individuals for leisure or commercial purposes.

However, to help the Police effectively Police the air spaces, it is important to in addition to the above notify the Police of the usage of the drone in every instance, especially for commercial purposes

The Commissioner of Police, while tasking DPOs and other vital organs of the Command to carry out the enforcement, urged residents to be law-abiding and exercise calm bearing in mind the assurance of the Command’s unalloyed commitment to bringing crime and criminality to its barest minimum.

While the Police continue to take proactive security measures, residents are urged to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrences to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, while the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 09022222352