The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several suspected illegal National Identification Number (NIN) operators and seized enrolment equipment during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada and other parts of Abuja.
The suspects were allegedly involved in unauthorised NIN enrolment, illegal modification of personal data and extortion activities, the Commission said threatened the integrity and security of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System.
In a statement issued on Monday, NIMC Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the operation was carried out by the Commission’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU).
He said the enforcement exercise demonstrated NIMC’s resolve to eliminate unauthorised enrolment activities, extortion and other unethical practices, particularly those involving attempts to circumvent official procedures.
According to the Commission, many challenges faced by NIN holders arise from efforts to bypass established enrolment and data modification processes.
NIMC emphasised that NIN enrolment must be conducted exclusively at its approved enrolment centres, while requests for personal data modification should be processed through its self-service platform at www.nimc.gov.ng.
The Commission also advised NIN holders to download the NINAuth application from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store to strengthen the security of their identity records, print their NIN slips and access other security-related benefits.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy towards extortion and unethical conduct.
She assured Nigerians and legal residents that NIMC remained committed to providing seamless and efficient NIN enrolment services.
The Commission urged applicants and existing NIN holders to patronise only approved channels for enrolment and related services, warning against the use of unauthorised operators.
It further advised members of the public to obtain reliable information through its official website and verified social media platforms.
