Zamfara extends ban on telcos indefinitely 

Abiodun OBA

The ban on mobile telecommunications networks in Zamfara has been extended until security personnel record win the fight against insecurity in the state.

Governor Bello Matawalle of the State made this known as the ban was to expire on Friday. 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed mobile telecommunications network providers to shut down their networks in Zamfara State for two weeks as part of measures to tackle the activities of bandits.

Newsmen reported how people in the state now travel to Sokoto and Funtua in Katsina State to make calls, send messages and do financial transactions.

However, speaking to BBC Hausa radio, Mr Matawalle said the ban will continue indefinitely. 

“We must elongate the ban because our hope is for peace to return and for our people to be safe.

“We’ll continue to discuss with security agencies and until we are convinced by them, the ban will continue. The result of our interactions with the security agencies will determine when the ban will be lifted,” Mr Màtawalle said.

Katsina State government has also shut down mobile telecommunications networks in 13 local government areas of the state where bandits are considered to be active.

The areas, Funtua, Malumfashi, Bakori, Dutsin Ma, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Safana, Batsari Kankara, Danmusa, Jibia and Kurfi have all disconnected from mobile telecommunications services.