Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that bandits and criminal networks are now using advanced communication technologies that make tracking ransom calls extremely difficult.
The revelation has raised fresh concerns about the evolving tactics of criminal groups, despite government efforts to tighten SIM registration and digital monitoring across the country.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday night, December 12, Tijani described criminal operations within Nigeria’s telecom space as far more complex than many citizens realise.
However, he assured Nigerians that steps are being taken to close these gaps.
The minister addressed public worries over why kidnappers still negotiate ransoms using phone lines, years after the introduction of the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN)–SIM linkage policy.
According to him, telecom operators previously carried out a massive clean-up exercise to remove improperly registered SIM cards.
However, criminal groups quickly adapted.
“There was an exercise that was conducted by the telcos to clean out all SIMs. The reason the President pushed us to invest in towers in those areas was the fact that we realised there was a special type of technology they [criminals] were using to call,” he said.
Tijani explained that these gangs no longer rely on regular telecom infrastructure. Instead, they now deploy techniques that allow calls to be bounced across multiple towers, making location tracing extremely difficult.
“They were not using the normal towers; they bounce calls off multiple towers. That’s why they enjoy living in areas that are unconnected,” he added.
Moreover, the minister noted that remote and poorly connected areas give criminals an added advantage.
These locations weaken signal tracking and reduce the effectiveness of conventional surveillance tools.
Meanwhile, Tijani revealed that Nigeria holds a strategic edge within the region.
He said Nigeria is currently the only West African country operating its own communications satellites.
This capability, he explained, is now being strengthened to support national security efforts and close existing coverage gaps.
“This is why we are upgrading our two satellites, so that if our towers are not working, our satellites will work,” he said.
According to the minister, satellite upgrades will ensure communication coverage even in areas without telecom towers.
Therefore, security agencies will have better tools to monitor criminal activities nationwide.
Experts say the disclosure highlights the urgent need for continuous investment in digital infrastructure and intelligence-driven security strategies.
As criminals evolve, authorities believe Nigeria must stay ahead by combining technology, regulation, and cooperation with telecom operators.
The issue of bandits using advanced communication technology has become a major security concern.
However, officials insist that reforms already underway will improve response times and reduce criminal anonymity.
