Insecurity: Sokoto deactivates telecoms networks in 14 Local Council Areas

*Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State of Nigeria discloses the state government took the action in line with the approval of the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the continued spate of insecurity and as part of the efforts at curbing banditry in the North-West state, the Sokoto State Government of Nigeria has shut down telecommunications services in 14 of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

ConsumerConnect learnt Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who announced the development Monday, September 20, 2021, disclosed the authorities enforced the action, following the approval from Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy.

Governor Tambuwal was quoted on Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service, saying the  14 affected local government areas are the ‘most vulnerable to bandit attacks’ in the state.

This publication had reported similar developments in the neighbouring Zamfara and Katsina states which also had telecoms services shut down because of frequent banditry.

While all parts of Zamfara State are affected in the deactivation of telecommunications networks, 13 local government areas are affected in Katsina State.

Tambuwal also noted that the ban of telecoms services in Zamfara State has pushed bandits to intensify attacks on Sokoto.

As the communications shutdown in Zamfara State has proved successful, the bandits are fleeing from the state to Sokoto, said the governor.

According to Tambuwal, “due to the ongoing military successes in Zamfara State, the bandits are fleeing to Sokoto,” report stated.

He also identified Dange Shuni, Tambuwal, Sabon Birni, Raba, Tureta, Goronyo, Tangaza and Isa local government areas, among others are affected in the current shutdown of telecommunications services for consumers.

It is recalled earlier the Nigerian House of Representatives in the National Assembly (NASS), recently directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the shutdown of telecoms services to some local governments in Sokoto State, bordering the neighbouring Zamfara State.

The lawmakers had urged that telecoms regulator should deny access to telecoms services as part of stringent measures against the reported growing insecurity in the affected local governments in Sokoto State.

Hon. Shehu Kakale from Sokoto was said to have moved a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House Thursday, September 16, 2021.

The Federal lawmaker said there had been renewed attacks against the three local governments as he alleged that there were coordinated attacks in Galma, Dutse, Buolere and Hausare villages in Wababe district of the state between September 1 and 3.

The legislator hinted that the bandits have new “tactics of sending” horror “advance” threat letters to communities announcing their “imminent brutal attacks with impunity”.

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