DSS confirms arrest of journalist Zainab reportedly working with Sowore, gives reason

Department of State Services, DSS, has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was reportedly working with Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said Sodiq was intercepted on Monday, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport while attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV.

According to the DSS, Sodiq was intercepted by operatives of the Service and the Aviation Security, AVSEC, unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, because she was allegedly not in possession of the required End User Certificate, EUC, for the drone.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) confirms detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters, Abuja. Subject was intercepted by FAAN AVSEC and operatives of DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on July 6, 2026 with an Unmaned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enroute Abuja from MMIA border control without an ‘End User Certificate’ (EUC),” part of the statement read.

The Service said the interception was in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser restricting the acquisition and use of drones.

It stated that when questioned, Sodiq admitted she did not have the required documentation.

The DSS, however, said she was allowed to board her scheduled flight to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was directed to report to its headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.

The agency said investigations have commenced in accordance with existing regulations empowering it to impound and sanction individuals or corporate entities operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones, without authorization.

According to the DSS, the enforcement is driven by growing domestic and global security concerns associated with drone operations, including privacy breaches and threats to public safety.