The Joint Task Force, JTF, on Wednesday banned, indefinitely, the use of thuraya phones in all states under emergency rule.

Thuraya phones are based on satellite technology and do not rely on any of the existing GSM networks in Nigerian to function.

The Islamic fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, have reportedly resorted to using thuraya phones to coordinate attacks since mobile communication was largely suspended by the military.

The ban on thuraya may worsen the communication challenges being faced by residents in the affected states as GSM networks have been largely shut for about five weeks since the emergency rule declaration.

The Spokesman of the Joint Task Force, Sagir Musa, said in a statement made available to journalists that the ban on thuraya became necessary as military intelligence revealed that terrorists now coordinate their attacks using the device.

The JTF said recent attacks on schools and killing of students by Boko Haram were carried out using thuraya devices.

“The attention of the JTF has been drawn to the use of Thuraya phones by Boko Haram Terrorists to coordinate their recent assassination of civilians especially schools and some Imams”.

“Therefore, with effect from 19 June, 2013, the JTF impose ban on the use and sale of Thuraya phones and accessories including Thuraya recharge cards in Borno States, Anyone seen with Thuraya phones, recharge cards and accessories will be arrested.

“The JTF seeks for the continued cooperation and understanding of the public on this ban in order to enhance security of lives and property in Borno State,” the statement read.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/139116-jtf-bans-thuraya-phones-in-borno-others-says-boko-haram-use-them-for-attacks.html

Just heard it on Nigeria Info 99.3FM.

I guess they should get the contacts of those using the device in Nigeria from Thuraya.

its easy o,the sss should be able to pick point signals emanating from sat by now.or get gilat isreal to jam them.

Anyone usin thuraya fone in any of d 3 emergency state is a prime BH suspect! D chase is gettin hot!

,

These bh dm b hypocrites.

Is dat phone still in existence?just asking anyway

brownlord: ,

u wan b 1st to comment ba?. Better luck next time

nice one

Thuraya is not the only satellite phone brand, there are many.

JTF, BAN ALL THE BANNABLES.

Jenams: Anyone usin thuraya fone in any of d 3 emergency state is a prime BH suspect! D chase is gettin hot!

Most Δefinately You're Utterly Right........'

SMH for my country!!

Thank God i can still use my "Patience" phone. Na Turai thuraya den ban IN OTHER NEWS: I started from the bottom, now i'm here.

INTERNET NKO

If this is wat will flush Boko haram out of those affected states, dem its a welcome development!

If you know they are using Thuraya sat phones, the best thing to do is to get Thuraya to give you all of Boko Haram's info.

Where they are
Who they are calling
What they are saying
Etc

Banning the phone doesn't help at all, because terrorists won't listen to the ban anyway. Only innocent people will actually stop using their phones. This was a silly move on JTF's part.

Hmmm...I dey laff ooo

They were actually blowing up GSM masts some months back. Now that the same GSM network is shut down they have resorted to satellite fones. So they needed communication after all. Losers!

Is dat phone better dan n3? Just askin

Is dat phone better dan techno n3? Just askin technocians

Beaf!:
They were actually blowing up GSM masts some months back. Now that the same GSM network is shut down they have resorted to satellite fones. So they needed communication after all. Losers!

Insincere9gerian, is that you?

Thuraya Recharge cards? Thuraya get recharge card hmmm . . . How is it possible to ban Sat phones? Any body here wey sabi Satellite Transponder Technology enough to explain. Abeg

Good. Ban every communication means if that's what would make a success out of your campaign against the senseless, brainwashed virgin seeking terrorists... and please just kill them all..

i thought with thuraya phones, your location can easily be detected or am i missing something?

Na wa oh

bobthebuilder99: If you know they are using Thuraya sat phones, the best thing to do is to get Thuraya to give you all of Boko Haram's info.

Where they are
Who they are calling
What they are saying
Etc

Banning the phone doesn't help at all, because terrorists won't listen to the ban anyway. Only innocent people will actually stop using their phones. This was a silly move on JTF's part.

^
They have to announce the ban before any further action will be taken. Innocent folks could also resort to that to reach their loved ones you know. They dont have the power to shut down Thuraya like they do for the local GSM networks. Now that the announcement is made anyone caught with Thuraya device or recharge card is automatically a BH suspect.

Capnd143: Leave no stone untouched boys! Ban anything related to terrorism, even if shouting allah arkbar is related, ban it, anyone cought shouting should be shot on sight, anyone with long caftan and overgrowm beards with hungry and scary looks should be shot on sight, anyone that frequents the mosque regurlarly even without reason and carrying a load should be shot on sight, after this is done then we will negotiate with human rights watchdog later!

LMAO!
You come vigilant pass them BH boys o!

Thuraya ? Boko haram no pass God

Capnd143: Leave no stone untouched boys! Ban anything related to terrorism, even if shouting allah arkbar is related, ban it, anyone cought shouting should be shot on sight, anyone with long caftan and overgrowm beards with hungry and scary looks should be shot on sight, anyone that frequents the mosque regurlarly even without reason and carrying a load should be shot on sight, after this is done then we will negotiate with human rights watchdog later!

Oga take it easy!
@Op Never knew Thuraya was still in existence. It sure brings back memories.

bobthebuilder99:

Insincere9gerian, is that you?

I am a sincere Nigerian not some jobless a$$ licker.