By Daily Chronicle
Given the incessant attacks on communities, killing and abductions of innocent citizens by armed bandits in Zamfara State, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has directed all telecommunications providers to shut down services in the state for two weeks from September 3, 2021 to curb rising insecurity.
This was contained in a letter issued by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta to all Chief Executive Officers of the service providers.
The operators are to comply with the directive immediately, also neighbouring states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, and Katsina State where services could reach a 45-mile radius to Zamfara will be affected.
The directive according to Prof. Danbatta would “enable relevant security agencies to carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenges in the state.”
“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.
In line with this requirement, NCC directed the operators “to shut down all sites in Zamfara State and any site(s) in neighbouring states that could provide telecommunications service in Zamfara State. The site shutdown is for two (2) weeks (September 03-17, 2021) in the first instance. Your urgent action in this regard is required,” the letter read.
Last week, the state governor, Bello Matawalle announced the closure of all weekly markets in the state as part of measures to address the worsening security situation.”