Group Queries Minister’s Claim On Bandits’ Communication

The Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has faulted recent comments by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on how bandits and Boko Haram insurgents communicate.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Kunle Yusuff, CSCHEI expressed shock and disappointment over the Minister’s explanation that criminal groups exploit gaps in Nigeria’s telecommunications network and use advanced technology to route calls across multiple towers.

The organisation described the explanation as unacceptable, arguing that addressing such gaps falls squarely within the responsibilities of the Ministry of Communications as the regulatory authority overseeing the sector.

According to CSCHEI, the Minister’s remarks reflect a lack of proactive leadership in tackling what it described as a critical national security issue, particularly the use of communication infrastructure by terrorists and bandits.

The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action by redeploying the Minister to another portfolio, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine efforts to combat what it termed “communication terrorism” in the country.

CSCHEI emphasised that the communications and digital economy sector is crucial to national development and security, noting that the Minister must ensure the industry is effectively utilised to protect lives and support economic growth.

The organisation called on the President to appoint a minister with the requisite leadership capacity and technical expertise to drive the digital economy agenda while addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Reaffirming that every life matters, CSCHEI demanded more proactive measures from the Ministry to disrupt the communication networks used by bandits and terrorists and to ensure accountability for those responsible for violent crimes.

The group also urged President Tinubu to rely on monitoring and evaluation reports of ministers’ performances, recommending that underperforming ministers be redeployed or removed. At the same time, those delivering results should be commended.

“A round peg must be in the right hole at this time of critical circumstances in Nigeria,” the statement added.