Sokoto State has shut down telecommunication services in 14 out of the 23 local government areas of the state, making it the third state in the North West to cut residents from telephony and internet.
Earlier, Katsina and Zamfara States shut down telecommunication services. While Katsina limited the communication blackout to 13 out of the 34 local governments in the state, Zamfara switched off communication in all the 14 local governments in the state.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal made the announcement on Monday, September 20, during an interview with Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service. He said it is part of the effort to check banditry in the state.
Tambuwal added that the telecom services in the LGAs were shut down after the state secured approval from the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
The network ban is effective in Dange Shuni, Tambuwal, Sabon Birni, Raba, Tureta, Goronyo, Tangaza and Isa local government areas amongst others.