The Plateau State Police Command has warned individuals and corporate organisations against operating drones without obtaining the necessary approvals, cautioning that violators risk arrest, confiscation of their equipment and prosecution.

The Command said the warning was issued as part of efforts to strengthen security, protect critical infrastructure and ensure proper regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, popularly known as drones, across Plateau State.

In a public notice issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) remains the only agency authorised to issue permits and approvals for drone operations in Nigeria.

According to the police, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, particularly Part 17 dealing with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), prohibit the operation of drones without the required approval and an approved security programme.

The Command explained that drone operators must submit their security programmes before commencing operations and provide details of their proposed flight locations, schedules and safety measures.It added that the regulations prohibit the use of drones for illegal activities, including the transportation of unauthorised cargo, weapons or explosives.

The police also warned against operating drones in a manner capable of causing death, serious bodily injury, damage to property or the environment, or endangering public safety.

Drone operators were further advised to comply with established safety procedures, including maintaining visual contact with their drones, observing approved flight altitudes and avoiding restricted and no-fly zones.

The Command noted that the unauthorised use of drones to invade people’s privacy could amount to harassment, intimidation, trespass or conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

“The Command hereby cautions individuals and corporate bodies against illegal drone operations and advises them to comply with extant regulations,” the statement said.

The police added that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would take all lawful measures to arrest offenders, impound illegally operated drones and prosecute those found culpable.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious drone activities to the nearest police station or the Command’s Control Room.The Plateau Police Command stressed that it would not allow the state’s airspace to become a “theatre of lawlessness” capable of threatening public safety and security.