Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, said it was regrettable the police and the Department of State Services are on able to track kidnappers and other criminals from the National Identity Numbers (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
Prof. Pantami who was reacting to the increasing and brazen act of kidnappings in the country, said the security agency needs to embrace this technology and track the criminals causing havoc across the country.
“Lack of utilising it is the main problem, not the policy. While in office, I know 3 instances where the policy was utilised, and it led to the success of their operations,” saidProf. Pantami, who introduced compulsory linking of NIM to phone subscribers during his time as Minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.
“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 life.
“This is just a point out of 100 on the policy. May the Almighty rescue all the kidnapped and bring absolute peace and stability to Nigeria, and may He (SWT) continue to guide our leaders and help them always in discharging their responsibilities,” he added.
