SIM cards

By Paul Obi

Security operatives and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Wednesday clamped down on dealers of fake SIM card machines in Abuja, making several arrests of persons alleged to be fabricating and printing fake SIM cards with fictitious identities.
The NCC team alongside the men of the Nigerian Police Force ransacked the premises of Correspondence Nigeria Limited on Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, beside AP Plaza, Wuse II, Connect Ground located in Prime Plaza opposite Rockview Hotel and Glovic Communications along Nola Crescent, Zone 5, Abuja.

Speaking to journalists, NCC’s Head of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said: “The arrest is in continuation of the campaign to rid the streets of pre-registered SIM cards.”

He added that, “We have been able to arrest quite a number across the country. The commission has decided to get to the root from those who are selling to the dealers who are activating the SIM cards because we are aware those in the streets are not the ones registering it.”

Giving more highlights on the arrest, NCC’s Head of Enforcement, Efosa Idehen, reaffirmed the commitment of the commission in putting an end to the menace of fake SIM cards registration in the country.

“We’ve been informing Nigerians about the illegalities of buying pre-registered SIM. The identity of those who register them are not shown on the SIM cards. In the past, we went after those hawking the SIMs on the streets, now we are on the next phase, we are going after the chain that supplies these machines.”

Today we are kicking off the nationwide campaign to rid the system of the fraudulent people who register SIM and sell them to unsuspecting buyers.

While warning Nigerians on the consequence of buying pre-paid SIM cards, Idehen maintained that, “the purpose of SIM card registration is beneficial to all. It is not just for crime purpose, there are so many technical issues we want to resolve that registration of SIM card will help us achieve.”

He further urged members of the public to “desist from buying pre-registered SIM cards as they are not good for the system. We are taking them before the law. We are not saying they are guilty, the law will decide that,” Idehen stressed.