The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched a fresh crackdown on illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, arresting several suspects in Abuja.
The suspects were arrested in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during enforcement operations targeting illegal enrolment, unauthorised modification of personal data and extortion.
The operation, carried out by NIMC’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU), also led to the seizure of equipment allegedly used for illegal NIN registration.
The commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, said the arrests were part of renewed efforts to flush out individuals involved in unauthorised enrolment and other unethical practices threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s national identity database.
He warned Nigerians against patronising illegal NIN operators, noting that many problems associated with NIN services arise from attempts to bypass official procedures.
Adegoke stressed that NIN enrolment could only be conducted at NIMC-approved centres, while requests for modification of personal information should be made through the commission’s official self-service platform at nimc.gov.ng.
He also advised NIN holders to download the NINAuth application from the Android Play Store or iOS App Store to protect their identity numbers, print their NIN slips and access other security features.
NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the commission’s zero tolerance for extortion, illegal enrolment and other forms of misconduct.
She assured Nigerians and legal residents that the commission remained committed to providing seamless and hitch-free identity registration services.
The DG urged applicants and existing NIN holders to patronise only approved NIMC channels, warning against the dangers of dealing with unauthorised operators.
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