The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that journalist Zainab Sodiq is being detained at its National Headquarters in Abuja over an investigation involving the possession of a drone without the required authorisation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by operatives of the Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) while attempting to travel to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
According to the agency, Sodiq was unable to produce an End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) governing the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.
The DSS said that when questioned, Sodiq admitted she did not have the required documents for the drone.
Despite the discovery, the Service said she was allowed to board her scheduled flight to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was instructed to report on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.
The agency stated that its ongoing investigation is being carried out in line with existing NSA regulations, which empower the DSS to impound drones and sanction individuals or corporate bodies operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) without authorisation.
The Service explained that the enforcement action is driven by growing global and domestic security concerns surrounding the use of drones, including risks related to privacy violations and public safety.
The DSS also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law as the investigation continues.
