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NCC uncovers persons with over 100, 000 SIM cards

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Extends deadline for NIN-SIM linkage to Sept 14

 

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000.

KANO FOCUS reports that NCC revealed this in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.

The NCC announced that it has extended deadline to link the Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) with the National Identity Number (NIN) to September 14, 2024.

The commission directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by the said date.

The communication regulatory agency also revealed that over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to the NIN, noting this reflects a compliance rate of 96 per cent which is a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.

NCC, said the commission is approaching the final phase of the SIM-NIN linkage process, even as it seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.

“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy. By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,” the statement averred.

NCC therefore urged all Nigerians who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline; noting alternatively, that the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.

The NCC also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.

“We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms,” the statement added.

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Dabo’s resignation triggers wave of defections from APC in Kano

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.

 

Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.

 

Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.

 

According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.

 

Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.

 

He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.

 

“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.

 

Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.

 

The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

 

The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.

 

However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.

 

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Five Kano Pillars Amputee Players Invited to Special Eagles Camp Ahead of World Cup

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.

KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.

 

The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.

 

Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.

 

He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.

 

According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.

 

The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.

 

The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.

 

Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.

 

He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.

 

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Former NPA MD Aminu Dabo resigns as APC caucus chairman in Dambatta

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Ibrahim Khalil

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.

 

In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.

 

He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.

 

“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.

 

The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.

 

“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.

 

A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.

 

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