The recent incident involving Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II — where a drone dropped alarmingly close to his head during a public address — wasn’t just a technical malfunction. It was a wake-up call.
On the surface, it was labeled an “accident.” But in a nation as politically charged as Nigeria, where two emirs currently battle for legitimacy, nothing escapes controversy.
For a brief moment, chaos loomed as social media exploded with claims that the Emir had been stoned.
Later, the drone operator stepped forward, admitting it was a drone battery failure that caused the device to crash.
But let’s get real: what if this “accident” had been worse? What if it had injured a dignitary, or even been mistaken for a threat by security operatives?
This incident begs the question: Are drone operators in Nigeria truly equipped to fly responsibly?
Whether you’re a hobbyist, media professional, or event coverage team — this article is your essential guide to avoiding drone disasters like the one that nearly shook a royal gathering.
🔋 1. Don’t Trust a Low Battery — It’s The #1 Cause Of Drone Crashes
Ameenu, the operator behind the Sanusi drone incident, blamed the crash on a low battery.
While that may sound innocent, it’s a rookie mistake with dangerous consequences.
Battery Checklist:
* Fully charge before flight
* Check for battery health warnings
* Avoid flying in extreme heat (which depletes battery faster)
Rule of Thumb: Land your drone when the battery drops below 25%. If it drops lower mid-air, your drone may fall — fast, and hard.
2. Avoid Flying Over People — Especially Royalty
One of the biggest no-gos in drone ethics (and legality) is flying directly over crowds.
Not only is it incredibly risky, but it also violates basic safety principles.
Imagine the implications if that drone had hit Emir Sanusi square in the face — political crisis, lawsuits, and possibly a nationwide drone crackdown.
🚫 Never fly over dignitaries, processions, or densely packed crowds unless authorized.
🎮 3. Practice In Open Spaces Before Going Public
Too many drone operators skip the basics. Flying at weddings and royal events sounds glamorous — until your drone crashes into the celebrant, or worse, royalty.
Train like a pro:
* Practice GPS loss scenarios
* Master manual landing
* Simulate emergency battery loss
* Always know how to hit emergency stop
👁️ 5. Always Have A Spotter — Two Eyes Are Better Than One
Flying solo? You’re risking blind spots, signal loss, and environmental hazards.
Also Read: Emir Sanusi Drone Incident: What Really Happened?
A visual observer (spotter) helps guide you through crowded airspace and alerts you to any unanticipated changes — like someone walking under your flight path or a signal jammer nearby.
📡 In politically sensitive environments, you need 360-degree awareness.
The Sanusi Drone Incident
Drone technology has incredible power — but as this incident with Emir Sanusi shows, it can turn into a PR nightmare in seconds.
Whether you believe the operator’s excuse or not, this moment has highlighted a larger problem: reckless, undertrained drone usage in Nigeria’s public spaces.
As drone use grows in weddings, journalism, real estate, and political events — now is the time to prioritise training, accountability, and strict adherence to best practices.
✍️ Want To Avoid The Next Drone Disaster?
✔️ Share this article with any drone operator you know.
✔️ Bookmark this for your media or event coverage team.
✔️ Ready to fly safer? Get trained and certified.
