Nate Darling

Nigeria extends phone blackout as crackdown on banditry spreads

Nigerian authorities imposed a communications blackout on Monday in several parts of Sokoto state as a crackdown against armed kidnappers in the country's northwest region spreads. Muhammad Bello, Sokoto state's special adviser for media and publicity, said the state governor, in collaboration with the country's Communications Ministry, had blocked communications services in 14 local government areas. The state earlier this month closed some roads to motorists, suspended animal trades and prohibited the transportation of more than three people on motorcycles as part of efforts to curb banditry, Bello said.