News
FG Moves To Disconnect 50 Million Unlinked SIMs Next Month
While the insecurity situation in some parts of the country has festered in the last seven years and has led to increased banditry, terrorism and frauds across boards, the Federal Government will from September 15, 2024 block all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) not linked to National Identity Numbers, NIN.
The FG made this announcement through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday in a statement, where it informed that it has pegged the final deadline date for the linkage of SIMs to NINs to September 14.
This final deadline date is coming amid a rise in the activities of criminals, who still use SIMs, and NINs to perpetrate their criminal activities. The SIM-NIN linkage exercise ab initio, according to the government was to help in addressing criminality, including kidnappers, bandits, and fraudsters, among others. But the extent of success cannot be ascertained.
Indeed, NCC in the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, to announce the deadline, said Nigeria has made significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all SIMs to NINs.
The telecoms regulator disclosed that to date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.
Though the NCC claimed that there has been 96 per cent complaint for the linkage, The Guardian checks showed that over 50 million SIMs may be blocked by September if not linked, especially because of the multi-SIMMING nature of Nigerians and use of different devices that are SIM dependent.
As of Q1, 2024, the NCC puts active mobile subscriptions in the country at 219 million and in the statement of yesterday, about 153 million SIMs have been linked, meaning that some 50 million risk disconnection by mid-September. It must also be stated that between the second quarter and now, some lines must have been registered and linked, which would make the exposed SIMs hover between 50 million and 55 million.
It should be noted that under the NIN-SIM linkage policy, an individual is allowed to register a maximum of four SIM cards per network operator. This is exclusive of SIMS that the individual may wish to use in Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as wearable, trackers, among others.
NCC said as the country approaches the final phase of this critical process, it seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.
The telecoms regulator said the complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of the digital economy.
“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,” it stated.
NCC revealed that through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), it uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
The Commission said it remained committed to working with se
NewsFG Moves To Disconnect 50 Million Unlinked SIMs Next Month
ByVreportersPublished on August 29, 2024
While the insecurity situation in some parts 3the country has festered in the last seven years and has led to increased banditry, terrorism and frauds across boards, the Federal Government will from September 15, 2024 block all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) not linked to National Identity Numbers, NIN.
The FG made this announcement through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday in a statement, where it informed that it has pegged the final deadline date for the linkage of SIMs to NINs to September 14.
This final deadline date is coming amid a rise in the activities of criminals, who still use SIMs, and NINs to perpetrate their criminal activities. The SIM-NIN linkage exercise ab initio, according to the government was to help in addressing criminality, including kidnappers, bandits, and fraudsters, among others. But the extent of success cannot be ascertained.
Indeed, NCC in the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, to announce the deadline, said Nigeria has made significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all SIMs to NINs.
The telecoms regulator disclosed that to date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.
Though the NCC claimed that there has been 96 per cent complaint for the linkage, The Guardian checks showed that over 50 million SIMs may be blocked by September if not linked, especially because of the multi-SIMMING nature of Nigerians and use of different devices that are SIM dependent.
As of Q1, 2024, the NCC puts active mobile subscriptions in the country at 219 million and in the statement of yesterday, about 153 million SIMs have been linked, meaning that some 50 million risk disconnection by mid-September. It must also be stated that between the second quarter and now, some lines must have been registered and linked, which would make the exposed SIMs hover between 50 million and 55 million.
It should be noted that under the NIN-SIM linkage policy, an individual is allowed to register a maximum of four SIM cards per network operator. This is exclusive of SIMS that the individual may wish to use in Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as wearable, trackers, among others.
NCC said as the country approaches the final phase of this critical process, it seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.
The telecoms regulator said the complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of the digital economy.
“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,” it stated.
NCC revealed that through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), it uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
The Commission said it remained committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
“To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.
“Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN,” it stated. NCC urged all members of the public, who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline. Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.
The Commission also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.
“We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms,” it stated.
Indeed, the acclaimed success of the NIN-SIM linkage has been questioned as regards the extent to which the initiative has helped the country to curb the rising menace of kidnapping, banditry, cyber fraud and the rest in the country.
It is worrisome that despite the sacrifices made by Nigerians to get their SIM registered and linked to NIN, crime levels refused to abate in the country.
At the commencement of the linkage exercise in 2020, the then Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Pantami, claimed that the process would enable Nigeria to tackle the growing insecurity in the country, but four years after, insecurity has festered.
Bandits have become more emboldened, kidnapping harmless Nigerians at every slightest opportunity, subsequently smiling to banks after every successful operation without traces, despite the NIN-SIM initiatives.
According to checks, from January and July 2024, no fewer than 2,140 people were kidnapped. An SBM Intelligence report on Nigeria’s security crisis reveals alarming statistics for 2024, showing, 3,277 people kidnapped in 135 mass abduction incidents, resulting in 125 deaths. The North West and North Central regions were hardest hit, with 2,719 kidnappings combined.
It also showed that families of 62 victims, representing 2.89 per cent of the total abductees, paid the sum of N389 million as ransom to secure their release from the kidnappers.
Over the seven months, gunmen reportedly kidnapped 193 people in January, 101 in February, 543 in March, 112 in April, 977 in May, 97 in June, and 117 in July, totaling 2,140.
Guardian
Five Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed on Friday, April 17, 2026, when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military base in Mussa village, Borno State.
According to militia sources who spoke to AFP, the insurgents stormed the base before being repelled by troops. Following the attack, clashes were also reported in nearby Leho village.
However, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between April 10 and 16, 2026, as troops sustained coordinated offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, JAS, violent extremist groups, kidnappers, and secessionist armed elements nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, the operations led to the arrest of several suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, interception of terrorist logistics supplies, and neutralisation of armed criminals in ongoing efforts to create a safer and more secure environment across the country.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East also maintained sustained pressure on insurgent networks across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, recording multiple arrests and seizures.
In Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, a suspect who confessed to supplying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to terrorists for about 10 years was arrested, with 60 litres of fuel, a mobile phone, and cash recovered.
In Adamawa State, 20 suspects were apprehended during raids on criminal hideouts in Mubi North, with items including electronics, cash totaling over ₦2.1 million, and other materials recovered.
In Yobe State, troops arrested three suspected informants linked to monitoring troop movements.
However, the Nigerian military had also in recent times suffered set backs in the fight against insurgency in the North East. Nigeria Tourism Guide
Suspected fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had last week attacked a military formation, killing a colonel, I.A. Mohammed, and other soldiers.
Also Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and 6 soldiers paid the supreme price early in a coordinated attacks by suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military formations in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, as well as Ngamdu and Pulka town in the Gwoza LGA of Borno state.
Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke told a UK court that her role in approving oil contracts was largely routine, stating that major decisions were already taken before documents reached her desk.
Speaking at Southwark Crown Court in London, she explained that the structure of Nigeria’s oil sector meant she had limited direct control, as key operations were handled by the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“The system was already in motion before files came to me,” she said, adding that the size and complexity of the industry made it difficult for a minister to oversee everything directly.
She said she rarely declined contract approvals because they had already passed through detailed technical and regulatory checks.
“I was, in many instances, a rubber stamp in the process,” she said.
Diezani also recounted a 2014 incident in which she discovered a questionable crude oil deal allegedly linked to businessman Igho Sanomi. She said the matter came to light following a whistleblower report, prompting her to cancel the arrangement.
However, she told the court that powerful individuals opposed her decision and escalated complaints to then President Goodluck Jonathan.
On allegations that $20 billion in oil revenue went missing, she disagreed with former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, insisting the reports were inaccurate.
“There were no missing funds as widely reported,” she said, explaining that audits and legislative reviews later showed the money was tied to subsidy payments and operational costs.
She acknowledged serious challenges in the fuel subsidy system, including multiple claims by some marketers, but said reforms were introduced to reduce fraud.
According to her, these efforts came with risks. She said she faced security threats, including the kidnapping of family members, which she linked to her attempts to challenge powerful interests in the sector.
She also said politicians and business figures frequently pressured her office for preferential treatment in oil allocations.
“I declined requests that did not follow due process,” she said.
Addressing questions about her personal finances, Diezani said she used Nigerian bank cards even during foreign trips, in line with rules preventing public officials from holding foreign accounts.
She added that the cards sometimes failed abroad, forcing others to temporarily cover expenses.
The court also examined records of her official trips between 2011 and 2015.
She said she usually travelled with about 30 officials, including aides, security personnel, and protocol staff.
“All movements were documented and archived in ministry records,” she said, noting that both commercial and chartered flights were used depending on official requirements.
Despite the allegations against her, Diezani insisted her time in office focused on increasing local participation in the oil sector and improving transparency, saying she has been unfairly portrayed.
She is currently on trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama on five counts related to bribery.
All the defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the case is ongoing in London.
Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.
Nnabuihe led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, noting the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.
He said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.
“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.
Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe, member of the sensitisation delegation, said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.
He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.
The Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.
Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.
Traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.
The sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, attracting a cross-section of young people.
ISWAP attacks military base in Borno, kill five soldiers
Nigerian oil governance, Contracts: ‘I was a rubber stamp, Diezani tells UK Court
Army raises alarm over low South-East recruitment
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