The Nigeria Police Force has trained 30 officers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology as part of efforts to strengthen security operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
The officers, graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, completed the Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems Course One organised by Kaduna-based indigenous defence technology company Nethawk Aviation Solutions.
The graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, with the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Flight Lieutenant Adedoyin Akerele (retd.), describing the programme as a step towards developing Nigeria’s local aviation technology capacity.
Akerele said the graduating officers formed the first cohort of a planned programme to train 100 police personnel in unmanned aircraft systems.
He said the initiative was designed to develop specialised aviation skills and promote the responsible use of unmanned aircraft in authorised security and public-safety operations.
Speaking with journalists, Akerele said the training would equip the officers with technical knowledge to support security operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
Training covers aviation and mission planning
According to Akerele, Nethawk’s 2026 training programme covers aviation ground school, basic and advanced UAS training, specialised mission qualification, mission planning and strategic operations management.
He said the company had conducted unmanned aircraft operations in more than 65 communities across Nigeria and had four locally developed UAS solutions and platforms in active operation.
Akerele also disclosed that the company had trained hundreds of aviation personnel for professional roles across law enforcement, the military, the oil and gas industry and the power sector.
He said the company would continue to invest in local technical expertise and specialised training to meet Nigeria’s evolving aviation and security needs.
Police say drone skills will strengthen operations
Assistant Commissioner of Police Idri Bunu, who represented the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, at the graduation ceremony, said the training would strengthen the force’s capacity to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities.
Bunu said the knowledge acquired by the officers would improve their effectiveness in security operations and enhance their response to emerging threats.
He commended the initiative, noting that the integration of modern technology into policing was important in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Police Headquarters Air Wing was represented by Superintendent of Police O. U. Shadrach, while the Divisional Police Officer of Mando Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police Shaibu Patiko, also attended the event.
Programme targets 100 police officers
Akerele described the graduation as an important milestone in the company’s efforts to expand indigenous aviation expertise and strengthen the country’s technical capacity.
The first 30 graduates represent the initial phase of the planned 100-officer programme. Details of the timetable for the remaining trainees and their eventual deployment were not provided at the ceremony.
Unmanned aircraft systems can support authorised security operations through aerial observation, surveillance and improved situational awareness. Their practical impact will depend on the equipment available, operator proficiency, coordination with ground teams and appropriate operational oversight.
The programme adds to efforts to incorporate technology and specialised training into Nigeria’s response to terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
