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Federal Government says technical limitations hinder tracking of SIM cards used by kidnappers, despite mandatory NIN–SIM linkage.
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Minister Bosun Tijani reveals criminals now use advanced call-routing techniques and exploit poor network coverage in remote areas.
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FG approves 4,000 new telecom towers, satellite upgrades and fibre expansion to close security and connectivity gaps.
The Federal Government has admitted that Nigeria’s security agencies are facing serious technical challenges in tracking SIM cards allegedly used by kidnappers and other criminal groups, despite years of compulsory SIM registration and linkage with the National Identification Number (NIN).
The disclosure was made on Friday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, during an interview on Channels Television, where he addressed public concerns over persistent kidnapping cases and ransom negotiations conducted via phone calls.
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According to Tijani, the problem goes beyond SIM registration compliance, explaining that criminal networks have evolved sophisticated communication methods that exploit poor network coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
He noted that while telecom operators previously carried out nationwide SIM clean-up exercises, criminal gangs have shifted tactics, routing calls across multiple towers instead of relying on conventional telecom infrastructure.
“The challenge is far more technical than many people realise. These criminals are not using the normal towers; they bounce calls off multiple towers, which is why they prefer to operate from areas with limited connectivity,” the minister said.
To counter what he described as “connectivity vulnerabilities” aiding criminal operations, Tijani said the government is implementing a multi-layered response that includes fibre-optic expansion, satellite upgrades and massive deployment of telecom infrastructure in rural communities.
He disclosed that Nigeria currently operates two communications satellites and is the only country in West Africa with such capacity, adding that plans are underway to upgrade them to serve as backups where terrestrial networks fail.
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The minister also confirmed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the deployment of 4,000 new telecom towers in underserved rural areas, in partnership with Chinese technology firm Huawei.
The project, he said, is expected to reduce network blackspots, improve rural economic activities and strengthen security surveillance.
While fibre expansion and tower deployment are already in progress, Tijani explained that satellite upgrades would take longer to complete, describing them as a critical but long-term component of the government’s broader digital connectivity strategy.
