LAGOS, NIGERIA has blocked more than 2 million improperly registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards as part of efforts to fight crime.

The 2 277 311 cards have been blocked following the elapse of the September 25 deadline set by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

A total of 6 830 249 lines have been revalidated during the period.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications, has reiterated the need for all improperly registered SIM cards to remain blocked until they are properly registered.

Philomena Oshodin, the ministerial spokeswoman, said Pantami commended the regulator and the telecommunications operators for working hard to carry out the directive in record time.

Pantami has been in the new cabinet for over five weeks.

He (Pantami) urges them to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the momentum is sustained, Oshodin said.

Oshodin said Ministry of Communications was collaborating with the relevant parastatals and security agencies to ensure that the security of lives and property in the nation is not compromised through the use of SIM card numbers.

Pantami has directed that the profiles of persons linked to crime, aided and abetted by the use of SIM cards, should be promptly provided to the relevant security agencies when requested.

The ministry will continue to work with relevant parastatals and security agencies in the background to ensure that SIM card numbers are not used as a platform for committing crime, Oshodin said.

Source: CAJ News Agency