Telecommunications services have been shut down in Zamfara State as part of efforts to rein in insecurity and wanton destruction of lives and properties in the state.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed telecom service providers to power down their cell sites in the state and its environs to allow security operatives execute their strategy for clearance of bandits from the state.
The state Governor, Bello Matawalle had last week announced the closure of all weekly markets in the state as part of measures to address the worsening security situation.
A letter sent to telecom companies by the NCC said the decision is “to enable relevant security agencies to carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenges in the state.”
The letter titled “Re: Shutdown of All Telecom Sites in Zamfara State” was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta.
“The pervading security situation in Zamfara State has necessitated an immediate shut down of all telecom services in the state from today, September 3, 2021,” the letter read in part.
The letter advised them to also shut down any site(s) in neighbouring states that could provide telecommunications service in Zamfara State.
Consequently, neighbouring states may contend with service blackout or inefficiency while the shutdown lasts.
Zamfara shares boundaries with Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
“The site shutdown is for two weeks (September 03-17, 2021) in the first instance. Your urgent action in this regard is required,” the NCC told the operators.
Before this order had been concerns that informants leaked troop positions to bandits, making it difficult for the troops to execute their tasks safely and efficiently. It is also believed that the bandits rely on telecom services to coordinate their attacks.
The state government is believed to have expressed these concerns to the NCC and prompted the regulator to direct the operators to shut down services.
