Nigeria, Sept. 20 -- The Sokoto State government has shut down telecommunications networks in 14 of the 23 local government areas of the state as part of the efforts to check banditry.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal announced the measure on Monday.

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service, Mr Tambuwal said the state secured approval from the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isah Pantami, before enforcing the ban on Monday.

He said the affected council areas are the most vulnerable to bandit attacks in the state.

The development in Sokoto followed that of the neighbouring Zamfara, where all parts of the state are affected; and Katsina State where 13 local government areas are affected.

The governments of the tw...