NCC Explains Why Telecom Sites Were Shut Down In Zamfara

The federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all telecommunications providers to shut down services in Zamfara for 14 days to address the heightening concerns of insecurity in the state.

A memo signed on Friday by the Vice-chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta disclosed this. It was addressed to the telecoms providers.

According to the memo, the telecoms sites were shut down due to the worsening state of security in the northwest state.

“The pervading security situation in Zamfara has necessitated an immediate shutdown of all telecommunications services in the state from today, September 3, 2021. This is to enable relevant security agencies to carry out the required activities towards addressing the security challenge in the state.

“In line with this requirement, Globacom is hereby directed to shut down all sites in Zamfara State and any sites(s) in neighbouring states that could provide telecommunications services in Zamfara State. The site shut down is for two weeks from September 3 to September 17, 2021, in the first instance. Your urgent action in this regard is required,” the memo stated.

Recall the Federal Government had declared Zamfara State a ‘no-fly zone’ some six months ago.

It also banned all mining activities in the state rich in gold as criminal gangs and terrorists continue to wreck havoc on the state.

Only last week, 73 students were abducted from a public school in the state leading to a shutdown of all schools in Zamfara. The fresh abduction took place 11 days after students abducted from the College of Agriculture in Bakura, Zamfara were freed after spending weeks with their abductors.