Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta gave the directive in a leaked memo addressed to one of the telecoms operators. It was stated that the shutdown of the telecoms sites became necessary due to the insecurity in the state.

The statement read “The pervading security situation in Zamfara state has necessitated an immediate shut down of all telecommunications services in the state from today September 03, 2021. This is to enable relevant security agencies to carry out required activities towards addressing the security agencies carry out required activities towards addressing the security challenge in the state. This site shutdown is for two (2) weeks (September 03-17,2021) in the first instance. Your urgent action in this regard is required.”

The directive was also given exactly six months after declaring Zamfara State a ‘no-fly zone.