The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) disclosed on Friday that it intercepted combat-ready Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, alongside military hardware.

Speaking to reporters in his office regarding the command’s activities in 2023, the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Charles Orbih, also revealed that the command generated N30.5 billion in revenue between January and December 2023.

Compt. Orbih said that in addition to the combat drone’s specifications—equipped with first aid box space, weapon storage, and capable of 70 hours of flight—another 154 drones were either seized or detained by the command.

He further stressed that these drones lacked the essential End User Certificate (EUC) from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and exceeded the allowed specifications for entry into the country.

He said, “While the country allows drones of up to 250 grammes, this combat drone weighs about 5,000 grammes. With a flight capacity of over 70 hours and space for weapon handling, it can be utilized as a weapon of war and it lacks the essential EUC from the National Security Adviser (NSA).”

Source: Leadership