FG Order Telcos To ‘Shut Down’ Mobile Networks In Zamfara

The Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has reportedly ordered telecommunication providers to shut down their networks in Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the directive was given in a letter to all telecom operators on Friday, Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Danbatta stated that this was necessary to enable security agents carry out operations against bandit terrorists in the state.

He said: “The pervading security situation in Zamfara State has necessitated an immediate shutting down of all telecommunications service in the state from today September 03, 2021.

“This is to enable relevant security agencies carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenge in the state, in line with the requirement, Globacom is hereby directed to shut down all sites in Zamfara State and 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 Globacom Nigeria reads.

According to Sahara Reporters, all the major networks were still working as at 11pm on Friday night, except Airtel that was off in some areas.

The Zamfara State government had recently imposed new measured in the state to help in the fight against terrorists.

Some of those measures include the restriction of fuel sales, the suspension of all weekly markets across the state.

Others are the suspension of the transportation of livestock to and from the state, amongst others.