Fulani group raises alarm over alleged use of drones to monitor settlements

A group under the auspices of Concerned Fulani in Plateau, CFP, has raised the alarm over what it described as unauthorized usage of drones to monitor Fulani settlements in rural communities, especially in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos local government areas.

The CFP, which raised the alarm in a statement on Sunday, said the outcry became necessary due to reports that certain individuals, whom they claimed to be members of “Berom Militia”, have been using drones and other sophisticated tech gadgets to monitor Fulani communities as a precursor to launching attacks on the settlements.

In the statement signed by its Coordinator, Umar Jouro, the group said it was worried that the actions of the individuals would expose innocent Fulani people, including women and children, to danger, which would further truncate the fragile peace in the state.

The statement titled, ‘Condemning unauthorized Drone surveillance of Fulani communities in Plateau State’, noted that information at the disposal of the CFP has revealed that the surveillance drones specifically targeted homes, cattle, and the location of Fulani communities.

“We are deeply concerned by the reported use of drones and cameras by an individual identified as a Berom TikTok user, Gabriel G. Mex (@Gabriels770), to capture and publicly disseminate aerial footage of the Fulani settlement in Mahanga, Riyom Local Government Area, on 16 and 17 July, 2026,” the statement said.

Continuing, the group said: “We acknowledge the immense benefits of technological advancement in promoting development, communication, and governance. However, technology must always be used responsibly and within the confines of the law. When misused, it can become a tool for intimidation, profiling, and the violation of fundamental human rights.

“According to the narration, the videos intentionally highlighted residents’ homes, cattle, and the location of the community while making remarks that exposed the settlement to a global audience.

“We also gathered that the Tiktoker is working closely with some Berom Militia groups, intending to attack the communities.

“If these events occurred as described, they raise serious concerns regarding the constitutional right to privacy guaranteed under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which protects the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, and family life.

“The conduct may also raise issues under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, where identifiable personal data is collected or processed without a lawful basis.

“Beyond the legal implications, publicly displaying the locations of vulnerable communities, their homes, and livestock in a conflict-prone environment such as Plateau State has the potential to heighten insecurity, fuel ethnic tensions, and endanger innocent lives and livelihoods.

“We therefore respectfully call on the Plateau State government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), relevant security agencies, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and other competent authorities to impartially investigate the circumstances surrounding these videos and determine whether any Nigerian laws or regulations were breached.

“We equally urge all content creators, media practitioners, and social media users to exercise responsibility by respecting the privacy, dignity, and security of all communities, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Technology should be used to foster peace, understanding, and coexistence—not to expose vulnerable communities to fear, profiling, or danger.”

Fulani group raises alarm over alleged use of drones to monitor settlements