Katsina Govt Reveals Armed Bandits Now Use Walkie-Talkies to Beat Telecom Shutdown

• The decision to shut down telecom networks in Katsina as a way of curtailing the operations of the armed bandits might not work
• This is because the bandits are said to have acquired walkie-talkies online to assist them in their nefarious activities
• This latest trend by the criminal elements was revealed by a key official in the Katsina state government

Katsina - The Katsina state government has said bandits have devised new strategies aimed at circumventing the impact of the security challenges containment order, by acquiring walkie-talkies.

The federal government had shut down telecom networks in Katsina and some neighbouring states as a way of curtailing the operations of the armed bandits.

But the Secretary to the Katsina state government, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, on Thursday, November 18 at a press briefing organised to give an update on the security situation in the state said:

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“A recent and most worrisome move by the criminals is the observed acquisition of Radio Frequency Walkie-Talkie transceivers by the bandits, which they have started using. Security agencies are however on their trail with a view to bringing the malpractice to an end.”

While giving more insights, the state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba, said the walkie talkies were short-range communication gadgets that the criminals usually acquire through online shopping platforms such as Jumia.

He said the police and other security agencies are working assiduously to ensure that such supplies are prevented from getting into the bandits and other criminals.

The Katsina state House of Assembly members called on the federal government to review the order, particularly the aspect of GSM network shutdown, which they said was counterproductive.

Nigerian Troops Kill Scores of Bandits, Arrest 48, Rescue 42 Kidnap Victims

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Meanwhile, the Nigerian military recently arrested 48 armed bandits and rescued 42 persons abducted by the criminal elements.

This was announced at a press briefing on Thursday, November 11 by the acting director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier-General Bernard Onyeuko.

Brigadier-General Onyeuko who was giving an update on the military's exercises in Operations Hadarin Daji, Safe Haven, and Whirl Stroke said the Armed Forces have adopted the kinetic and non-kinetic approach in dealing with security challenges in the country.

Nigerian Military to Monitor Kaduna-Abuja Railway Through Helicopters

Legit.ng had earlier reported that the Nigerian military has deployed some of its attack helicopters to monitor the Kaduna-Abuja railway after the recent attack on train passengers by armed bandits.

Announcing the commencement of the military exercise, Brigadier-General Onyeuko said:

‘’The important thing is the Nigerian Air Force is present at the rail tracks. Suffice to say, the operation has started. Even if you travel by road, you will see our helicopters along that route.’’

Source: Legit.ng