The failure of security agencies to use the National Identity Number (NIN) linked to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data is being blamed by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, for the recent increase in kidnappings and killings in the country.
Allub Times recalls that former president Muhammadu Buhari instructed that SIM cards be linked to the NIN of every citizen.
Bashir Ahmad, the media aide to President Buhari, recently expressed concern about the rising number of kidnappings for ransom and called for new legislation or the revision of existing laws to impose stricter penalties for banditry and kidnapping.
In response to Ahmad’s tweet, Pantami criticised security agencies for not utilising the NIN-SIM data to address the growing issue of kidnapping for ransom and banditry.
“NIN-SIM policy has been working. However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilise it effectively when a crime is committed,” Pantami said.
“Lack of utilising it is the main problem, not the policy. On the lack of utilisation, I am more worried than anyone, as my life was threatened by criminals for reintroducing it, including on BBC Hausa and national dailies; I resisted and ensured its implementation.
“If it is not being utilised by the relevant institutions in charge of securing lives and property, then I am more frustrated than any person, as I sacrificed my life and ignored all the threats to my life. This is just a point out of 100 on the policy,” the former minister added.
Under Buhari’s administration, Pantami led the NIN registration policy.
The former minister strongly believed that connecting citizens’ NIN to their SIM cards would play a vital role in fighting against banditry, kidnapping, and phone-related crimes.
