Pre-registered SIM Cards Pose Threat to National Security, Police Assert
Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) said pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards sold by vendors of telecommunications companies pose serious threats to national
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has raised concerns about the potential security risks posed by pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, which are being sold by vendors of telecommunications companies. During a press conference in Abuja, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Akaninyene Ezima, the Director of the Centre, warned that these pre-registered SIM cards make it easier for criminals, including terrorists demanding ransom, to operate undetected, thereby posing a threat to national security.
Ezima emphasized that there are currently 50 pre-registered SIM cards in circulation, representing 50 fake identities. These fake identities can be assumed by anyone to commit various crimes, putting the nation at risk. The NPF-NCCC has subjected these SIM cards to forensic analysis to gather information that is currently under investigation and will be presented in court.
When asked if the telecommunications companies would be included in the lawsuit, AIG Ezima clarified that the companies are not directly involved in the sale of pre-registered SIM cards, as it is against the law. Instead, it is the employees or vendors working for these companies that engage in this illegal activity. He advised the telecom companies to be more cautious in selecting their vendors and take stringent measures to ensure the safety of their corporate image.
Ezima stated that while the service providers are informed about the issue, some individuals will always seek to exploit the system for financial gain.
The director also mentioned that the NPF-NCCC regularly engages with the telecommunications companies to educate them on the proper practices and ways to handle such situations. However, he acknowledged that despite the companies' best efforts, there will always be individuals willing to engage in illegal activities for monetary benefits. Ezima urged the public not to stigmatize the telecommunications companies, as they are operating legitimately and are not responsible for the actions of the criminals.
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