The Nigerian Police Academy in Kano has graduated its first batch of 30 police officers trained in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology and technical capacity development. The training, conducted by Nethawk Solution, a Nigerian defence technology company based in Kaduna, aims to equip police officers with skills to combat terrorism and other acts of criminality in the country. The graduands completed the Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Course One, marking a significant milestone in Nethawk's commitment to specialised aviation training.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nethawk Aviation Solution, Flight Lieutenant Adedoyin Akerele (rtd), addressed top police officers and graduands at the event, highlighting the importance of the training. He stated that the graduation represents the first cohort of a planned 100-officer training programme, reflecting the company's broader ambition to advance Nigeria's aviation technology capabilities. Akerele emphasised that Nethawk's aviation training initiative aims to develop professional aviation expertise and promote structured technical training.
The training programme, which forms part of Nethawk's broader commitment to indigenous aviation expertise, covers aviation ground school, basic and advanced UAS training, specialised mission qualification, UAS mission planning, and strategic UAS operations management. Akerele noted that Nethawk has conducted unmanned aircraft systems operations across more than 65 communities in Nigeria and has trained hundreds of aviation personnel for professional roles across sectors, including law enforcement, the military, oil and gas, and power.
The graduation ceremony was attended by several high-ranking police officers, including the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Idri Bunu. The Area Commander, Metro Kaduna, and the Divisional Police Officer, Mando Police Station, were also present. The Police Headquarters Air Wing was represented by Supretendent of Police, O. U. Shadrach.
Akerele stressed that Nethawk's investment in structured aviation education and indigenous technical capacity can contribute to professional development and the responsible application of emerging technologies. He added that the company's aviation training initiative forms part of its broader commitment to developing indigenous aviation expertise through operational activities, technology development, and specialised training initiatives.
The trained police officers are expected to play a crucial role in combating terrorism, banditry, and other acts of criminality in Nigerian society. ACP Bunu, representing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, noted that the training of the 30 police officers in UAS technology will significantly enhance the police's ability to fight acts of terrorism and other criminal activities.
The graduation of the first cohort of 30 police officers marks an important step towards the wider objective of training 100 police personnel in UAS technology. Nethawk remains committed to developing skilled aviation professionals, strengthening indigenous technological capabilities, and advancing solutions that address Nigeria's evolving aviation and security needs.
Key points
- The Nigerian Police Academy has graduated its first batch of 30 police officers trained in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology to combat terrorism and other crimes.
- The training programme, conducted by Nethawk Solution, covers aviation ground school, basic and advanced UAS training, and specialised mission qualification.
- The graduation marks the first cohort of a planned 100-officer training programme aimed at advancing Nigeria's aviation technology capabilities.
