Bosun Tijani explains difficulty tracking bandits’ calls
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has explained why it remains difficult for security agencies to track the phone calls of bandits despite advances in technology. He said criminal groups deliberately use methods that make conventional call tracing ineffective, especially in remote and insecure areas.
According to the minister, bandits often place calls that bounce across multiple telecommunications towers within a very short time. This technique makes it hard to pinpoint an exact location, as the signal does not remain on a single mast long enough for accurate tracking. He noted that this challenge is compounded by the terrain in many affected areas, where limited infrastructure and vast ungoverned spaces already hinder surveillance efforts.
Tijani added that criminals also rely on disposable SIM cards and basic mobile phones, which they frequently change to avoid detection. He explained that while telecom operators cooperate with security agencies, tracking becomes complex when calls are brief, constantly rerouted, or made from locations with overlapping network coverage. These tactics, he said, are deliberately designed to stay ahead of law enforcement.
The minister stressed that the government is working on strengthening collaboration between security agencies and telecom providers, alongside deploying more advanced monitoring tools. He assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to improve digital intelligence and close existing gaps, but warned that criminal networks continue to adapt their methods, making the fight against insecurity a constantly evolving challenge.
About the Author
