The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive for telecoms providers to shut down services in Zamfara State.
A memo signed on Friday by the vice-chairman of the NCC Professor Umar Danbatta said the shutdown is to last for two weeks.
The directive comes as part of fallout of the rising spate of insecurity in the state, the latest being the abduction of over 70 students from the governor’s hometown.
“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,” a memo sent to Globacom read partly.
“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.”
This decision comes six months after the Federal Government declared Zamfara State a ‘no-fly zone’ and banned all mining activities in the state.
