Insecurity: Police warn Zamfara residents against ‘illegal network installations’

The Zamfara police command has warned residents against “illegal installation of cyber network” in the state.

In a memo dated September 3, 2021, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had instructed all telecommunications companies to shut down their services in Zamfara over lingering insecurity in the state.

Explaining the decision to shut down telecommunications services, Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, said security agencies requested the shutdown as part of their security strategy.

Ayuba Elkanah, police commissioner in Zamfara, at a media briefing on Thursday, said the command had received information on illegal network installations, which are constituting a threat to peace in the state.

He advised those involved to desist from the act or face the consequences of their actions.

“There’s an illegal installation of cyber network at some locations in the state for commercial purposes,” he said.

“Information at the disposal of the police and other security agencies confirm that some persons or group of persons, who are not ready to abide by the new security measures of the state government, embarked on on the installation of cyber network for commercial purposes, which criminal elements are using to communicate and pass messages that are a threat to security and safety of the state, which are hitherto a serious concern.

“Let me use this opportunity on behalf of colleagues, heads of security agencies, to pass a serious warning against any person or group who have either installed or about to install cyber network to desist from the act or face the consequences.

“I’ve already instructed my DPOs and other tactical commanders to intensify search with a view to apprehending the violators.”