Gadgets Africa
  • News
    Microsoft introduces ads to Bing AI chatbot

    Microsoft introduces ads to Bing AI chatbot

    Executives at Meta Platforms Inc are discussing a company-wide ban on political advertising in Europe.

    Meta considers ban on political ads

    Twitter unveils prices for API access

    Twitter unveils prices for API access

    Microsoft raises Bing AI chat limit to 200 daily

    Microsoft raises Bing AI chat limit to 200 daily

    Instagram introduces bookmarking feature

    Instagram introduces bookmarking feature

    Hackers target UAE users with Spanish spyware - Google

    Hackers target UAE users with Spanish spyware – Google

    EFCC detains tech firm Kloud Commerce's founder Olumide Olusanya

    EFCC detains tech firm Kloud Commerce’s founder Olumide Olusanya

    Google to launch extreme heat alerts feature

    Google to launch extreme heat alerts feature

    Musk, experts call for pause on AI development

    Musk, experts call for pause on AI development

  • Apps
  • Cryptocurrency
  • featured
  • Telecommunications
  • Gadgets
  • FinTech
  • Tech leaders
Gadgets Africa
No Result
View All Result

Security agencies can access suspects’ SIM profiles in one hour

by Agency Report
May 25, 2022
in Telecommunications
Reading Time: 2 mins read
Security agencies can access suspects’ SIM profiles in one hour
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Telegram

Security operatives can now access the Subscriber Information Module profile of a mobile phone user who is under criminal investigation within 60 minutes of filing a request.

The SIM profile refers to a set of parameters that allow devices to authenticate against and gain access to a cellular network.

The National Identity Number, it was gathered, has also helped to significantly improve the quality of the information received on criminal elements.

This is happening against the backdrop of the rise in kidnappings, banditry and killings by armed hoodlums across the country.

The PUNCH reported that the police, Department of State Services and the military were empowered to access a telecom subscriber’s SIM profile for investigative purposes.

Telecom operators, our correspondent learnt, have been directed to provide security agencies with the location of a specific mobile phone or smart device to aid any criminal investigation.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had in February disclosed that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had granted approval to some security agencies to access the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties.

This, he said, would enhance security and help security operatives to go after kidnappers and other criminals.

The minister, who said this on the sidelines of LEAP 22, a technology event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, however, revealed that despite possessing a total of 73 million NINs, no security agency contacted the Nigerian Communication Commission to provide any information that might help in tracking down kidnappers in the last six months.

A source said, “The Ministry has ensured that timely provision of profiles of SIM card owners is made to security agencies within 60 minutes of request. The NIN, being a requirement for SIM card registration, has also helped to significantly improve the quality of the information received.

“Security agencies are empowered to lawfully intercept communications for the purpose of their investigations. Mobile Network Operators have geo-location capabilities which enable them to provide security agencies with the location of a specific mobile phone or smart device in aid of any criminal investigation.

“The NCC has established an Investigation and Reporting Application which provides the Office of the National Security Adviser direct access to law enforcement agencies in aid of investigations.”

A report said over 151m registered subscriber data had been transmitted to the central database by Mobile Network Operators.

“These records are undergoing duplication scrubbing via an Automated Fingerprint Identification Software and valid registrations are available for use by the security community,” it explained.

When contacted on Tuesday, police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said he needed to speak with detectives and intelligence officers about the initiative and its impact on their operations before he can comment on it.

The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, did not respond to a request for comment.

But an Intelligence and Security Risk Management Consultant, Kabir Adamu, tasked the NCC to ensure that requests for private data of citizens meet the guidelines.

On the alleged failure of the security agencies to request for data on kidnappers and other criminals, the security expert said, “I’m aware that there is a frosty relationship between the security agencies and the Ministry of Communications and this is a legacy of our military era where security agencies have created silos and they don’t see each other as a team whose cooperation would give them a better result.”

He added, “The coordinating agency must ensure that the security organisations understand the relevance of working together while taking advantage of the innovation the ministry is bringing on board.”

Tags: SIM-NIN
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

Elon Musk's Starlink, others take Nigerias ISP companies to 225
Telecommunications

Only 23% Africans in rural areas have internet access

by Alade Abayomi Adeleke
December 19, 2022
NCC alerts Nigerians on antivirus-crippling threat
featured

Nigeria’s active mobile subscribers hit 210m – NCC

by Joy Onuorah
December 13, 2022
Vodafone CEO steps down after drop in revenue
Telecommunications

Vodafone CEO steps down after drop in revenue

by Agency Report
December 5, 2022
Hormuud Telecom’s undersea cable to boost Somalia’s internet access
Telecommunications

Hormuud Telecom’s undersea cable to boost Somalia’s internet access

by Joy Onuorah
November 9, 2022
Next Post
How technology can improve national security – Experts

Firm seeks tech innovation to disrupt marketing landscape

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended.

Uber to integrate its network with New York yellow cabs

Uber to integrate its network with New York yellow cabs

March 24, 2022
Nigerian entrepreneur solves electricity problems with solar-powered batteries

Nigerian entrepreneur solves electricity problems with solar-powered batteries

March 23, 2023

Trending.

VIDEO: Starlink standard kit unboxed

VIDEO: Starlink high-speed internet standard kit unboxed

February 7, 2023
What to expect from HBO Max/Discovery+ in 2023

What to expect from HBO Max/Discovery+ in 2023

January 8, 2023
CBN set to launch N100m digitalisation fund

CBN set to launch N100m digitalisation fund

March 29, 2022
Meta to integrate 'take-it-down' tool on underage platforms

Meta to integrate ‘take-it-down’ tool on underage platforms

February 28, 2023
India fines Google $162m over market dominance

15 Nigerian startups selected for Google Accelerator programme

March 14, 2022
Gadgets Africa

© 2023 Gadgets Africa.

Navigate Site

  • News
  • Apps
  • Cryptocurrency
  • featured
  • Telecommunications
  • Gadgets
  • FinTech
  • Tech leaders

Share

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Apps
  • Cryptocurrency
  • featured
  • Telecommunications
  • Gadgets
  • FinTech
  • Tech leaders

© 2023 Gadgets Africa.

Go to mobile version