Nethawk advances indigenous aviation expertise, graduates 30 police officers in drone operations

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Nigerian defence technology company, Nethawk, has graduated 30 Nigeria Police Force personnel from its Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Course 1, in a move to strengthen indigenous aviation expertise and enhance the use of drone technology in authorised security operations.

The graduation represents the first phase of a planned programme to train 100 police officers in unmanned aircraft systems, equipping personnel with technical knowledge and operational skills relevant to security and public safety.

The company’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Flt. Lt. Adedoyin Akerele (Rtd.), said the initiative was part of efforts to develop local aviation capabilities and promote the responsible use of unmanned aircraft technology.

The programme reflects the growing role of specialised aviation training in building professional capacity and supporting the integration of emerging technologies into Nigeria’s security architecture.

At the graduation ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, was represented by ACP Idri Bunu, Area Commander, Metro Kaduna.

The Police Headquarters Air Wing was represented by SP O. U. Shadrach, while the Divisional Police Officer, Mando Police Station, CSP Shaibu Patiko, also attended.

Nethawk said its aviation training initiative was designed to strengthen the professional competence of security personnel and support the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into authorised operations.

The company’s 2026 training curriculum covers aviation ground school, basic and advanced UAS training, specialised mission qualification, mission planning and strategic UAS operations management.

Other areas of instruction include flight planning, aviation meteorology, airspace management, human performance and aviation safety.

According to the company, the programme combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises, command-system integration, geospatial mapping and mission-planning software to develop trainees’ technical proficiency, operational awareness and understanding of aviation safety.

The training is intended to equip participants with the skills required to plan and conduct UAS missions in accordance with established aviation safety procedures and operational requirements.

Beyond training, Nethawk disclosed that it had conducted unmanned aircraft operations in more than 65 communities across Nigeria and had four locally developed UAS solutions and platforms in active operation.

The company also reported that it had trained hundreds of aviation personnel for professional roles across multiple sectors, including law enforcement, the military, oil and gas, and power.

It said its activities span aviation technology development, operational capabilities and specialised training, with a broader focus on strengthening indigenous expertise and expanding Nigeria’s capacity to develop and deploy homegrown technological solutions.

Nethawk expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force, the participating officers, instructors, management, project personnel, families and other stakeholders who contributed to the training programme.

The company described the graduation of the first 30 officers as progress towards its target of training 100 police personnel, reaffirming its commitment to developing skilled aviation professionals and supporting Nigeria’s indigenous defence and aviation technology sector.

The programme’s next phase is expected to build on the foundation established by the inaugural cohort as efforts continue to expand professional competence in unmanned aircraft systems.