
Mobile operator MTN Nigeria says it has donated about 60 fully equipped security patrol vehicles and hi-tech communications gadgets to 11 states in the country.
This move follows the alleged destruction of some of its facilities, reportedly worth over $1.5 billion, by Boko Haram, and police’s claims that this terrorist group has killed MTN staff in the process.
The telecoms giant says the move is aimed at assisting states and security agencies in the country in tackling the country’s growing insecurity challenges.
States that have benefited from the donations include Katsina, Taraba, Bauchi, Kano Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Plateau, Oyo, Ogun and Abuja.
Speaking on the development, the director of the MTN Foundation, Akinwale Goodluck, has said the donation has demonstrated the organisation's continued commitment to addressing real societal needs; such as peace, stability and security.
Goodluck further noted that the telecom operator has been constantly expanding the scope and depth of its corporate social responsibility endeavours..
"Our hope is that these vehicles and equipments will assist the states to tackled the growing security challenges confronting them," said Goodluck.
Meanwhile, Boko Haram has threatened to attack more telecommunications facilities in the country, until its demands are met by the government of the country.
The group last week allegedly destroyed over 25 telecoms base stations belong to different telecoms companies across five states in the Northern parts of the country.
Boko Haram claimed responsibility for attacks MTN infrastructure. The group says telcos such as MTN are working with authorities in the country to help spy on the group’s communications and track its members.
A statement written in Hausa and signed by its spokesperson, Abul-Qaqa, the group warned:
"Our ultimate goal is the establishment of an Islamic State in Nigeria and we would not hesitate in taking punitive measures against anybody who sabotage or assist others that are sabotaging our efforts.
"This is why we are fighting the Nigerian government and its collaborators, including telecommunication companies. We would continue attacking them (telecoms) until the time they stopped releasing information about our activities," the group said in a statement.
The group has also threatened to attacks the facilities of the Voice of America (VOA) in the country, as well as its correspondents and staff.
"We have also established that through its various programmes, the VOA has launched a campaign of calumny against Islam. We have resolved to fight back by tracking and killing its employees. Any employee of the VOA that wants to remain alive must quit,” it added.
On its parts, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has directed all state commissioners of police to set up special units to safeguard telecommunication installations across the country.
A statement signed by police spokesperson, Frank Mba said, "The IGP has directed all state commissioners of police to constitute a special unit in their respective commands, whose primary assignment will be to ensure the safety of telecommunication equipment and installations within their areas of jurisdiction.”
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