Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that armed bandits and criminal networks operating across parts of the country are deploying sophisticated communication technology to evade security surveillance and coordinate attacks.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, On Friday the minister explained that the criminals do not rely on conventional telecommunications infrastructure but instead use techniques that allow their calls to be routed across multiple telecom towers, making it difficult for security agencies to trace their exact locations.
According to Tijani, the method enables bandits to exploit coverage gaps in Nigeria’s telecom network, particularly in remote and underserved rural areas where connectivity remains weak.
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“They weren’t using the normal towers. They bounced calls off multiple towers. That’s why they enjoy living in areas that are unconnected,” the minister said.
He noted that these technological loopholes have made it challenging for law enforcement agencies to track ransom negotiations and operational communications linked to kidnapping and banditry, a development that has raised fresh concerns about national security.
The minister also addressed public concerns over the alleged use of unregistered or fraudulently registered SIM cards by criminal elements, stating that while such claims persist, they involve technical complexities and have not been fully verified.
As reported by Prime Business Africa, Tijani said the Federal Government is responding by pursuing a comprehensive strategy to close telecom blind spots and limit opportunities for criminal exploitation.
Key measures include the planned deployment of 4,000 new telecommunications towers in underserved rural communities, following approval by the Federal Executive Council, to improve coverage and reduce unmonitored zones. The government is also working to upgrade Nigeria’s communications satellites to extend connectivity to areas beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure.
In addition, the minister said ongoing fibre-optic expansion projects across the country are expected to strengthen digital connectivity, enhance surveillance capabilities, and support both security operations and economic growth.
Tijani stressed that improving access to reliable communications infrastructure is critical not only for development but also for national security, as criminals increasingly leverage technology to outpace law enforcement efforts.
The revelation comes amid heightened concern over insecurity in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, where banditry and kidnappings have continued to pose serious challenges to authorities.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
