The Federal Government has ordered all telecom operators to shut down their networks in Zamfara State in an attempt to curb bandit activities ravaging the state.
This was contained in a letter issued on by Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission on Friday.
According to a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officers of the telecoms companies, 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.
Telcos were also directed to shut down any site(s) in neighboring state that could provide telecommunications service in Zamfara State.
“The site shutdown is for two weeks (September 03 – 17, 2021) in the first instance. Your urgent action in this regard is required,” a copy of the letter sent to one of the telcos reads.
However, all the major networks were still working as at 11pm on Friday, except Airtel that was off in some areas.
Residents of the state are suspicious that they may shut down anytime soon.