Police Train 30 Officers in Drone Technology to Combat Terrorism, Banditry

The Nigeria Police Force has trained 30 officers in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology to boost its fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

The officers, all graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano, completed the Basic UAS Course One conducted by Kaduna-based defence technology firm Nethawk Aviation Solutions.

At the graduation ceremony on Saturday, Nethawk’s founder and CEO, Flight Lieutenant Adedoyin Akerele (retd.), said the programme was designed to build indigenous expertise in aviation technology and enhance security operations.

He noted that this was the first phase of a plan to train 100 police officers in drone technology.

Akerele explained that the 2026 training covered aviation ground school, basic and advanced UAS operations, mission planning, and strategic operations management.

He added that Nethawk had already conducted drone operations in over 65 Nigerian communities and developed four locally built UAS platforms currently in use.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Idri Bunu, representing Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad, said the training would strengthen the force’s ability to respond to emerging threats.

“The knowledge acquired will improve effectiveness in security operations and enhance our response to terrorism and banditry,” he stated.

Other police officials, including representatives from the Police Headquarters Air Wing and Mando Police Division, attended the ceremony.

Akerele reaffirmed Nethawk’s commitment to advancing indigenous aviation expertise and providing specialised training to meet Nigeria’s evolving security needs.