The Kaduna State Government has announced the restoration of telecommunication services in some parts of the state where it was shutdown to tackle banditry.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made the announcement on Friday.
The state government had on Wednesday September 29, 2021, suspended telecommunication services to tackle the troubling banditry and other related crimes in the state.
Kajuru, Chikun, Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Zaria and Zango-Kataf are some of the local government areas where telecommunication services were suspended in the state.
However, the Commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Friday, said it had contacted relevant federal agencies to effect the immediate restoration of the telecommunication services to the affected local government areas.
Aruwan, however said, other stiffer measures, employed by the state to tackle insecurity such as prohibition of movement of motorcycles, sale of fuel in Jerry cans, weekly markets as well as the felling of trees, remained in force.
The Commissioner said, “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.
“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.”
