Why It Is Difficult to Track Calls of Bandits – FG Gives Fresh Reason

The Federal Government has explained why tracking calls made by bandits and criminal networks remains a major challenge for security agencies. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said these groups are now using advanced communication technologies that make it harder to trace their activities, including ransom negotiations.

Speaking on Channels TV on Friday, December 12, Tijani emphasized that criminal operations in the telecom space are far more sophisticated than many Nigerians realize, despite government efforts to strengthen identification and monitoring systems.

He addressed ongoing concerns about kidnappers still using unregistered lines, years after the introduction of the mandatory National Identification Number–SIM linkage aimed at preventing anonymous communication and curbing criminal activity.

The minister pointed out that telecom companies recently conducted an exercise to remove unauthorized SIMs and that the government has invested in new towers to counter the use of special technologies by criminals. “They were not using the normal towers; they bounce calls off multiple towers. That’s why they enjoy living in areas that are unconnected,” Tijani explained, adding that the tactic is particularly effective in remote locations with poor network coverage.

Tijani also highlighted Nigeria’s unique advantage in West Africa as the only country operating its own communications satellites. He said the government is upgrading two satellites to ensure consistent communication coverage and strengthen security measures, stating, “If our towers are not working, our satellites will work.”