''5G network: Nigeria risks security threat if deployed wrongly''

Ahead of the nation’s moves to install the controversial 5G network, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has stated that Nigeria would risk a security threat, if the network was deployed wrongly in view of its sophistication.

The Director of Communications, Office of the National Security Adviser, Bala Fakandu, gave the warning while speaking at a one day investigative hearing on 5G network by the Senate Joint Committee on Communications, ICT and Cybercrimes, Science and Technology on Thursday.

According to him, eavesdropping, espionage and cyber attack are the likelihood of what would happen as telecommunication operators have to upgrade their equipment to adapt to the 5G network, adding that protective measures must be taken before deployment is done.

The NSA revealed that its fears have been related to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) during its initial trial of the technology in the country.

He was optimistic that its concerns would be captured in the draft national policy.

“We are aware that the deployment of 5G will come with different equipment. We are concerned about eavesdropping I, cyber attacks, espionage by external forces. But they are things that need to be put in the National policy for operators”.