The Zamfara State Police Command on Friday said it had banned the unauthorised installation of cyber networks as part of efforts to complement the current security measures aimed at tackling banditry and kidnapping in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Ayuba Elkanah, disclosed this at a news conference in Gusau.

Elkanah said the police and other security agencies had confirmed that some persons and groups were violating measures so far taken by the authorities to tackle the activities of bandits in the state as some unauthorised individuals and groups were installing cyber networks in their homes and business places where suspected groups of bandits use.

The Nigerian Communications Commission had suspended the use of all mobile networks in the state to curtail communication between bandits and their collaborators that had facilitated attacks on communities.

“The criminals have been using the cyber network to communicate and pass messages that are threatening the security and safety of the state which were hitherto a serious concern. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of my colleagues, heads of security agencies to pass a serious warning against any person or group who has either installed or is about to install a cyber network to desist from this act or face dire consequences.

Read Also Calling Nigeria giant of Africa deceptive – Sanusi

“I have already instructed my divisional police officers, and other tactical commanders to intensify search at the suspected locations with a view to apprehending the violators.

The commissioner, however, noted that in spite of the challenges, the agencies had recorded tremendous achievements, including “the arrest of seven suspects for various offences as well as the unconditional rescue of 10 abducted victims from different locations,” in the effort to restore law and order in the state.

He said those arrested included a suspect in connection with the recent death of Sarkin Fulani Gidan Dutse, Gada Biyu area in Gusau, the state capital.

He added, “Among the suspects was also a female suspect found in possession of a large number of cigarettes and other substances on the way to supply to bandits and other criminal elements.”