Evaluating the Efficacy of State-Imposed Telecom Shutdowns in Northwest Nigeria

In the autumn of 2021, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Communications Commission (NCC), as part of its counter-terrorism operations against banditry, shutdown telecommunications services in four Northwest states - Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara. This report critically explores the rationale, impact, and consequences of these shutdowns, questioning their effectiveness as a counter-terrorism strategy and emphasizing their detrimental effects on community security and human rights. It draws on crime statistics and security reports with insights from surveys, focus group discussions with local opinion leaders and in-depth personal interviews with diverse stakeholders. It argues that while the telecommunications shutdown was a ‘success’ from a government/military tactical point of view, their broader impact proved detrimental - angered citizens and engendered negative opinions toward the state and its shutdown policies. Disruptions to daily life, communication difficulties, economic losses, and infringement on fundamental human rights paint a stark picture of communities disconnected, silenced, and burdened by the state-imposed shutdown. The article casts doubt on the shutdowns' effectiveness in curbing banditry, exposing alternative explanations for any temporary decrease in attacks. It questions the legitimacy of justifying these shutdowns as effective counter-terrorism measures, advocating for alternative approaches that prioritize community engagement, human rights, and development initiatives to address the root causes of insecurity and foster lasting peace in Northwestern Nigeria and Nigeria at large.

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