El-Rufai Lifts Telecommunications Ban In Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai has lifted the three-month telecommunications ban imposed in the state due to the recent attacks by bandits.

The Kaduna State Government announced this in a statement released through the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan on Friday.

According to Aruwan, the relevant government agency in charge of telecommunication has been directed to lift the ban.

Aruwan further stated that other measures like the ban on motorcycles, ban on weekly markets, selling of fuel in kegs remain in force.

El-Rufai had directed the National Telecommunication Commission (NCC) to shut down telecom service in selected local government areas of the state due to security challenges.

The statement reads, “I am here to inform you that the Kaduna State Government has contacted the relevant federal agencies to effect the immediate restoration of telecommunication services which were suspended in some local government areas.

“Security agencies had requested the shutdown in October 2021, among other measures, to assist ongoing operations against armed bandits and other criminals.

"The security agencies have now notified the government that telecoms services can be restored.

“Along with the other measures in the security containment order, the telecoms shutdown had helped the security agencies to achieve some results, which the security forces will reel out soon.

"The prolonged application of this measure was always out of the question due to its impact on the legitimate activities of citizens and businesses.

“Residents are advised that the restoration of full services in the affected areas may unfold over a few days, as the service providers mobilise to power and boost their transmission systems accordingly.

“The Kaduna State Government regrets the inconveniences residents of the affected LGAs may have encountered as a result of the shutdown.

"The state government wishes to commend the sacrifices made by residents while this temporary measure lasted.” 

Aruwan however, said other measures like the ban on motorcycles, ban on weekly markets, selling of fuel in kegs remain in force.

“Notwithstanding, the government wishes to reiterate that the other measures announced as part of the security containment orders remain in force.

"These include the prohibition of motorcycles all over the state, the ban on weekly markets, transportation of cattle, and the prohibition of sale of fuel in jerrycans in specified local government areas,” he added.