By Friday Temitope Eugenia
National News – A popular social media personality, D English Alhaji, has sparked debate after openly criticizing Nigeria’s SIM registration policy, describing it as ineffective in tackling insecurity and kidnapping across the country.
English Alhaji made the remarks following the ordeal of a tailor identified as Abba, who was allegedly contacted again by bandits after he had previously been kidnapped and released following payment of ransom.
According to English Alhaji, the bandits reportedly informed Abba during a phone call that they were still monitoring him, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security tracking mechanisms.
He revealed that the matter had been reported to security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), but expressed disappointment whether they would be able to apprehend the culprits or just do little or nothing about the situation as usual.
“The SIM registration we did is useless. If others are afraid to say it, I, English Alhaji, will say it,” he stated.
Speaking partly in pidgin, he further criticized the system, saying he has never heard of bandits being tracked and arrested through phone calls despite the nationwide SIM registration.
“You see that registration wey we do, na rubbish. I no dey fear to talk am as e be. I never hear say dem track bandits through call and arrest them. I never hear am,” he said.
English Alhaji also alleged that SIM registration appears to be more effective in tracking law-abiding citizens, especially those who criticize government policies, rather than criminals.
“Na we, once you speak against government, dem go track you through call. So I dey see am say the SIM registration dem do am because of us, law-abiding citizens, and not to track criminals,” he added.
His comments have since generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians echoing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and banditry despite measures such as SIM registration and NIN-SIM linkage introduced to strengthen security and intelligence gathering.
The development comes amid growing public frustration over insecurity and calls for improved intelligence operations and faster response by security agencies.
