Pre-Registered SIM Cards Threaten Nigeria's National Security

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has raised concerns regarding pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards sold by telecommunications vendors, stating they pose significant threats to national security. During a press conference in Abuja, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Akaninyene Ezima highlighted that these SIM cards enable terrorists and cybercriminals to operate more freely, complicating law enforcement's ability to track them.

Ezima noted that there are 50 pre-registered SIM cards representing fake identities, which can be exploited for criminal activities. He assured that despite the challenges, law enforcement would eventually track down the perpetrators.

Ezima clarified that telecommunications companies are not directly involved in the illegal sale of these SIM cards; rather, it is their vendors who are responsible. He urged telecom companies to exercise greater caution in selecting vendors and to enhance their security measures to protect their corporate image.