The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has revealed that bandits operating across Nigeria are using sophisticated communication technology that makes it difficult for security agencies to monitor or trace their calls.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tijani addressed concerns about the role of his ministry in strengthening national security, particularly in tackling criminal communication networks.
According to the minister, there is no clear evidence showing that bandits rely on conventional SIM cards that can be tracked through the National Identification Number (NIN) linkage system. Instead, he said they employ advanced communication methods that bypass standard telecommunications infrastructure.
Tijani explained that calls made by these criminal groups do not pass through regular telecom masts. Rather, the technology enables their communications to bounce across multiple towers, significantly complicating interception and surveillance efforts by security agencies.
His remarks come amid rising concerns over the boldness of non-state actors, many of whom openly use digital platforms, including social media, to communicate and flaunt their activities.
In recent times, reports have surfaced of bandits and terrorists operating active TikTok accounts, allegedly displaying ransom payments online. Authorities hope such digital footprints, including public posts and communication trails, will eventually help security agencies identify, track, and prosecute those behind the crimes.
