Insecurity: NCC shut down telecommunications services in Zamfara and neighboring cities.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all telecommunica­tions providers to shut down services in Zamfara and adjourned cities as of September 3 in order to stem the rising cases of insecurity in the state.

This is the final move that could completely shut down all economic activity in Zamfara, after the state’s atate governor, Bello Matawalle, announced the closure of all weekly markets in the state last week as part of measures to address the state’s worsening security situation.

The decision was made “to enable relevant security agencies to carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenges in the state,” according to a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officers of telecoms companies, a copy of which was sighted by Sunday Independent.

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Prof. Umar Danbatta, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, signed the letter titled “Re: Shutdown of All Telecom Sites in Zamfara State.”

The letter stated in part, “The pervasive security situation in Zamfara State has necessitated an immediate shutdown of all telecom services in the state beginning today, September 3, 2021.”

NCC instructed the operators to “shut down all sites in Zamfara State and any site(s) in neighboring states that could provide tele­communications service in Zamfara State” in accordance with this requirement.

“In the first instance, the site will be closed for two weeks (September 3-17, 2021). “Your prompt action is required in this regard,” the letter stated.