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Published on 2024-03-01 12:19:19
Shehu Sani, the former senator representing Kaduna Central in the eighth senate, has expressed his disapproval of the National Communication Commission (NCC) directive ordering the telecom operators, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and others, to block users who have not linked their national identification number (NIN) with their sim cards.
In a tweet on Friday, March 1, the activist criticized the NCC and telecom operators for failing to block the sims used by bandits involved in kidnapping and communicating with their victim’s families through phones to collect ransom. Shehu Sani highlighted the inconsistency in blocking regular users for NIN non-compliance while criminal elements continue to operate unchecked.
The former lawmaker tweeted, “The NCC and the Telecom operators know how to quickly block SIM cards; the ones they are yet to know how to quickly block are those used by Bandits to collect ransom.” This statement reflects his frustration with the misplaced priorities of the NCC and the telecom companies.
The NCC recently directed telecommunication companies to block subscribers who have not linked their phone numbers with their NIN. The initiative was introduced during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration with the aim of tracing terrorists and bandits who demanded ransom from their hostages. However, the effectiveness of the NIN registration process has been called into question following a surge in bandit activities after the initial deadline set by the Buhari government.
Innocent Nigerians have been victims of kidnapping, and millions of ransom payments have been made without any significant progress in apprehending the culprits. Shehu Sani raised concerns about the failure of the NIN registration process to curb the activities of bandits and other criminal elements using phone numbers in Nigeria.
The implementation of the NIN registration process seems to have fallen short of its intended purpose, with criminal elements continuing to operate with impunity. Shehu Sani’s criticism of the NCC and the telecom operators sheds light on the inadequacies of the system and the need for a more effective strategy to combat criminal activities facilitated by mobile communication.
As the debate around NIN registration and its impact on security in Nigeria continues, Shehu Sani’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in addressing security threats through regulatory measures in the telecommunications sector. The balance between regulatory compliance and addressing security concerns remains a critical issue that requires urgent attention and effective solutions.
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