NCC: Police Should Track Kidnappers Using NIN-Linked SIMs

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recently stated that it is the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to track bandits and kidnappers using the National Identification Numbers (NINs) linked with the SIM cards of victims.

According to NCC spokesman, Reuben Muoka, the objective of the NIN-SIM linkage is to provide digital identity for Nigerian citizens, which can help in tackling security challenges.

In a recent case in the Bwari area of Abuja, seven members of a family, including six sisters, were kidnapped and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of about N100m.

One of the victims, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, was killed while the others were eventually released.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had previously stated that security agents were not utilizing the NIN to track kidnappers and other elements engaging in criminal activities.

When asked about the lack of tracking despite the fact that kidnappers often contact the families of their victims using phone numbers, the NCC spokesman said that it is the responsibility of security agencies to find ways to track such calls, and that the commission is providing all the necessary information to assist them in doing so.

Muoka emphasized that it is the duty of the Police, from the rank of Deputy Police Commissioner and below, to carry out the tracking of phone calls and other related activities.

He also mentioned that the submission of digital identities can help security agencies in fighting crimes, and that they may not reveal the number of crimes they have resolved using well-identified individuals using phones.

It is crucial for the Police to use the NIN-linked SIMs to track and combat the threat of kidnappers and other criminal elements in Nigeria, as the digital identity provided by the NCC can be a powerful tool in enhancing security and ensuring the safety of the citizens.