BREAKING: Kaduna Shuts Down Mobile Phone Services, Bans Commercial Motorcycles As Bandits Take Over State

According to the Kaduna State Government, telecommunications companies have been requested to cease their services in the state beginning September 30 in order to combat banditry.

Samuel Aruwan, the State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, made the announcement on Wednesday.

The usage of motorcycles for transportation and the sale of gasoline in jerrycans have also been banned in the state, according to Aruwan.

The current development in Kaduna comes after that of Zamfara, which has been affected throughout the state; Katsina State, which has 13 local government areas affected; and Sokoto State, which has 14 LGAs affected.

The governments of the three North-western states have announced the suspension of telecommunications networks, as well as the prohibition of weekly markets and the selling of gasoline in jerry cans, as well as other harsh steps to combat banditry.

The Kaduna State Government, according to Aruwan, has formally requested that the Nigerian government impose a telecoms service shutdown in areas of the state identified by security authorities as requiring such measures.

Other security measures specified by the state administration remain in effect, he said, and he urged locals to follow the instructions.

Despite the increase in crimes, the state government had previously stated that it had no plans to shut down telecom networks.

The statement read, “I am here to inform you of, and to formally announce the implementation of certain measures to assist the security agencies in parts of the state. You will recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai announced in a media chat yesterday (28th September 2021) that the state government has formally requested the Federal Government to enforce the shutdown of telecom services in parts of the state identified by security agencies as requiring such measures.

“The relevant federal agencies have today informed the Kaduna State Government that the processes for telecoms shutdown in parts of the state have commenced. As part of the steps to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions, KDSG has held several meetings with security agencies to adopt critical measures towards crushing bandits in their identified hideouts.

“The military and other security forces have been carrying out assaults on the identified locations. The state government is advised that certain measures are now necessary to assist the spirited efforts of these security agencies.

“The following measures become effective from Thursday, 30 September 2021: The complete ban on the use of motorcycles (Okada), for commercial or personal purposes, for three months in the first instance.

“Ban on possession of/or wielding of dangerous weapons. Tricycles are allowed to operate only from 6am to 7pm. All tricycles must remove all curtains. Movement of all tricycles is restricted from dusk till dawn (7pm to 6am).

“All vehicles used for commercial transport must be painted in yellow and black within 30 days. Vehicles that are part of ride-hailing services are to carry yellow and black stripes. Ban on the sale of petrol in jerrycans or other containers in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko, and Kajuru LGAs.

“Other containment measures previously communicated by the Kaduna State Government remain in place. These include: Ban on felling of trees and forestry activities in Birnin Gwari, Giwa Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko, and Kajuru LGAs. Ban on firewood and charcoal transportation.

“Ban on the transportation of livestock into and out of the State. Cessation of weekly markets in the frontline local government areas of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kajuru, and Kawo weekly market of Kaduna North local government.

“The Kaduna State Government regrets the severe strain and inconvenience these measures will place on peaceful and law-abiding citizens. The Government, therefore, appeals for the understanding and cooperation of all residents of the affected areas, and indeed across the State. These difficult times have demanded that difficult decisions be made.

“The measures have been adopted purely in the interest of our collective safety and security, and to aid our brave forces in their fight against these mindless criminals. Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been shattered. Small groups of wicked persons cannot continue to hold us to ransom and force us to live in perpetual fear.

“Once again, the government craves the understanding of all citizens. The hardship we face will be temporary, and we are confident that in the end, it will pay off. Good will prevail over evil.”