Security Authorities Warn of Immediate Confiscation and Prosecution for Non-Compliant Operators as Counter-Drone Systems Deployed
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The National Intelligence and Security Service announced an immediate, indefinite prohibition on operating all unmanned aerial vehicles across Addis Ababa and its surrounding areas starting September 30, 2026.
According to a public notice issued by security authorities, no entity or individual will receive authorization to operate drones or similar flying devices in the designated airspace until further notice.
Security officials confirmed that specialized anti-drone detection technology actively monitors and controls all unauthorized aerial activity across municipal airspace.
Under the new directive, intelligence and security units will deploy electronic countermeasure technologies to hijack, force-land, and seize any non-compliant drones operating at any altitude. Authorities warned that defense forces will simultaneously pinpoint the physical location of drone operators and take them into custody for immediate prosecution.
Notably, yesterday reported drone attack struck the Ethiopian Air Force headquarters located in Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), resulting in loss of life. There has been no statement indicating whether the ban is related to the reported attack on the Air Force or to the war that the “Alliance for Survival” has launched in the northern parts of the country.
Under Proclamation No. 1276/2014, the National Intelligence and Security Service previously managed a flight authorization system requiring operators to submit pre-flight applications detailing equipment model numbers, specific flight corridors, and intended operational purposes prior to launch.
Security officials stated that the complete suspension of flight permits aims to safeguard visiting dignitaries, state leaders, critical national infrastructure, and public security in coordination with joint security task forces. Intelligence leadership affirmed that defense units possess advanced counter-drone systems and specialized manpower to neutralize potential aerial security threats across the capital region.
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