Mobile network to be restored in violence-hit Nigeria state

The authorities in the north-western Nigerian state of Zamfara say they will restore internet and mobile phone services on Monday.

The services were blocked in early September as part of measures to help security forces track down armed gangs behind a wave of killings and kidnappings for ransom.

Gunmen in the region are believed to be using mobile phones to co-ordinate their attacks and negotiate for ransom.

The Zamfara state government says it took the decision to restore internet and mobile phone services due to what it called an “encouraging report of peace”.

But residents say there is no clear indication that the security situation has improved since the shutting down of the services nearly three months ago.