Kidnapping: Pantami, Fmr. Communications Minister Blames Security Agencies for not Utilising NIN to Track Terrorists, Kidnappers 

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

Former Communication and Digital Economy Minister, Isa Pantami’s  has blamed security agencies for not utilising NIN to track terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals. 

When tackled on why the NIN-SIM data which he enforced when he was minster of minister of communications and digital economy, has not been utilised in tackling crime, Pantami blamed the  security agencies for failing to utilise data generated.

The data generated from National Identity Number (NIN) which is linked to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) was initially built to track and curb  crimes involving the use of mobile phone.

When the order to that effect was approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, Nigerians whose SIM were not connected to NIN had their lines disconnected.

Reacting to Mr Mentus’s tweet @RolandMentus questioning the lack of NIN tracking, Pantami wrote 

“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. 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 life. This is just a point out of 100 on the policy.”