NCC Responds to Criticism Over Tracking Says It’s not our fault kidnappers are not tracked despite Comm Satellite, SIM, NIN

By Admin

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed why it cannot be held accountable for the increased rate of kidnappings and the inability of the security operatives to track criminals despite the NIN, SIM card registration and BVN registration the organization enforced on Nigerians.

The Commission stated this in a recent criticism from Comrade Henry Okunomo, Senate President of the Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who questioned why kidnappers remain at large despite the enforcement of various technological systems such as the National Identification Number (NIN), SIM card registration, and the Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Okunomo expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of security agencies, highlighting the disconnect between these measures and the ongoing issue of kidnapping.

“I am not satisfied with the way security agencies are handling the matter,” Okunomo said. “The government cannot tell me there is no other way to tackle this problem. With several measures already in place, why are they not effective?”

The while clarifying its position and responsibilities, the commission noted that while it enforced the NIN-SIM linkage deadline due to concerns over security trends and the misuse of unverified SIM cards, it does not have the authority or capability to track and arrest individuals involved in criminal activities.

“Yes, we were firm on the NIN-SIM linkage deadline because of serious security risks associated with multiple SIM cards linked to unverified NIN details,” an anonymous NCC official stated. “We discovered instances of individuals with thousands of lines linked to a single NIN, which were not used for legitimate purposes. We provided ample time for users to consolidate their lines, and those with unverified NINs were subsequently barred.”

On the issue of kidnappers contacting victims’ families without being traced, the NCC official emphasized that the commission does not possess the power to track or apprehend criminals. “Our role is to support national security efforts to the best of our ability, but tracking and arresting individuals are beyond our scope.”

Additionally, a satellite engineer from the Nigerian Communications Satellite Company (NIGCOMSAT Ltd) clarified misconceptions about the capabilities of the NigComSat-1R satellite, which was launched in 2012. “The NigComSat-1R is a communications satellite, not equipped with cameras for real-time crime scene surveillance. It gathers data and digital footprints, which we provide to security agencies upon request. The satellite performs its duties as intended, but it is not designed for direct crime scene monitoring.”

“I am not satisfied with the way security agencies are going about the matter. The government cannot tell me there is no other way this kidnapping thing can be nipped in the bud. After all, there are several measures already in place, why are they not working?” he said.

Mr Okunomo was referring to how the NCC started SIM card registration in 2011; the Nigerian Identity Number, NIN enrolment in 2015; the NIN-SIM and BVN Registration exercise in 2020, and even the NigComSat-1R Communications satellite which the country shot into orbit in 2012.

However, despite all these measures, bandits, and kidnappers operate freely with the crime rate very high.

But the NCC has defended its policies saying that the fault is not from them.

“Yes, we were adamant on the deadline of the NIN-SIM linkage because of several dangerous security trends we discovered. Our resolve hinged on the need to close in on the chaos of untoward ownership of multiple SIM cards with unverified NIN details.” A top official at the Commission who craved anonymity reportedly said to journalists.

“We had instances where a single individual had over 10,000 lines linked to his NIN. In some cases, we have seen a single person with 1,000 lines, some 3,000 plus lines. What were they doing with these lines?

“From our interim findings, the owners of these lines did not purchase them for decent purposes or to undertake legitimate activities. We gave them enough time to make the decision of which of their lines they wanted to keep and discard the others. They did not. All lines in this category with unverified NINs were barred.

“On the issue of kidnappers making calls to victims’ families without being traced, I don’t think that power is residual in our hands. What we know is that whatever support the security agents have sought from us, as far as the national security question is concerned, we have always given to the best of our ability. Our duty is not to track and arrest people who make calls rightly or wrongly the source added.

Also, a satellite Engineer at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Company, NIGCOMSAT LTD, reportedly said, “One of the misconceptions about our satellite is people believing that it will snap photos or record videos of crime scenes and send them to security agents, but that is not how it works.

“Although NigComSat -1R is a communications satellite, it is not equipped with cameras. It gathers data and digital footprints which on demand, we usually make available to security agencies that can also read and interpret them effectively. So people should not think that because crimes are happening unabated, the satellite is not working or performing its duties” he added